Brown County, South Dakota
The most common soil here is Barnes, on about 8% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Beotia and Great Bend come next.
About 45% of the land drains well, and 20% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 29% of it.
USDA rates 50% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 22% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Brown County, South Dakota, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Brown County, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Bend-Beotia silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 68K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Niobell-Noonan loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 41K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Harmony-Aberdeen silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 40K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hecla-Garborg loamy fine sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 36K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Noonan-Miranda loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 29K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Aberdeen-Nahon silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 28K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Svea-Tonka complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Cresbard-Tonka complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Svea-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Great Bend-Putney silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harmony-Beotia silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Cresbard-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Great Bend-Beotia silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Beotia silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Buse-Svea loams, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cresbard-Cavour-Forman loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nahon-Aberdeen-Exline silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Beotia-Rondell silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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
About 22% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 50% 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.