Charles Mix County, South Dakota

Survey Area SD023• South Dakota

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Charles Mix 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
Eakin-Ethan complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes	86K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Highmore silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	81K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Highmore silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	50K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Eakin-Ethan complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes	44K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Water	35K			Not rated	Not rated
Mobridge silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	35K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sansarc-Boyd complex, 6 to 35 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Onita-Tetonka silt loams	27K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Highmore-Walke silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Betts-Ethan loams, 15 to 40 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Eakin-DeGrey silt loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
DeGrey-Walke silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes	20K	Moderately well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Not limited
Ethan-Betts loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ethan-Clarno loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Homme-Ethan-Onita complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Agar silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes - 55C	15K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Eakin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Agar silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes - 55C	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Sansarc clay, 6 to 35 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tetonka silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very 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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

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 86% 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.