Wells County, North Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Wells County, North Dakota. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heimdal-Emrick loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 157K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fram-Wyard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 76K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Heimdal-Emrick loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 53K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Emrick-Larson loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 48K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Zahl-Zahill complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zahl-Williams-Zahill complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zahl-Williams loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Uranda-Larson loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Embden-Heimdal complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Parnell silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau | 16K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Larson-Uranda loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Renshaw loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Williams lacustrine, clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lowe-Fluvaquents, channeled complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fram-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Embden-Heimdal complex, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Embden-Egeland fine sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 27% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
Gardening & Agriculture
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.