Brown County, South Dakota
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
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 33% 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.