Brookings 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 Brookings County, South Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poinsett-Buse-Waubay complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barnes clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kranzburg-Brookings silty clay loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Poinsett-Buse-Waubay complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kranzburg-Brookings silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lamoure-Rauville silty clay loams, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 18K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moritz, occasionally flooded-Lamoure, frequently flooded, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Divide loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poinsett-Waubay silty clay loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vienna-Brookings complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Estelline silt loam, coteau, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Brandt silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Buse-Barnes loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Buse-Langhei complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mckranz-Badger silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vienna-Brookings complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Buse-Barnes loams, 9 to 20 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Renshaw-Fordville loams, coteau, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 24% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
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
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.