Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Survey Area SD612• South Dakota

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Badlands National Park, South 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
Badland	58K	Excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cedarpass-Interior, frequently flooded-Badland complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Orella-Interior, moderately deep, frequently flooded-Badland complex, 0 to 25 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Badland-Orella complex, 6 to 40 percent slopes	13K	Excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior loam, channeled, 0 to 6 percent slopes, flooded	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Orella-Badland complex, 1 to 9 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Fairburn-Orella, very channery-Whitewater complex, 6 to 40 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Orella silt loam, very shallow, 1 to 9 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Orella-Badland complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Samsil-Pierre, thin solum complex, 6 to 60 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior, occasionally flooded-Cedarpass-Denby complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Interior, moderately deep, occasionally flooded-Cedarpass complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Cedarpass silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Whitewater-Orella silty clays, 3 to 9 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cedarpass-Denby complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Epping-Keota-Badland complex, moist, 9 to 50 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Whitewater-Denby silty clays, 1 to 6 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pierre-Samsil clays, 6 to 30 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Epping-Badland complex, 3 to 60 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Keota, thick surface-Epping-Badland complex, moist, 9 to 40 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	D	Very 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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.