Bon Homme County, South Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Bon Homme County, South Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarno-Crossplain-Davison complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 56K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Homme-Ethan-Onita complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarno-Bonilla loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Clarno-Ethan-Bonilla loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Homme-Ethan-Tetonka complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Homme-Onita silty clay loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ethan-Homme complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Betts-Ethan loams, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Homme-Onita silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Homme-Davison-Tetonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tetonka silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norway loamy fine sand, frequently flooded, wet | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarno-Bonilla loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Clarno-Ethan-Bonilla loams, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ethan-Davis loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bon loam, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Homme-Onita-Tetonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Yankton-Alcester silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Boyd-Sansarc clays, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 31% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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.