Badlands National Park, South Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.