Clark 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 Clark County, South Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnes-Buse-Svea loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 68K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Poinsett-Waubay silty clay loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Southam silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 34K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poinsett-Rusklyn-Waubay silty clay loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Buse-Svea loams, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cubden-Tonka silty clay loams, coteau, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kranzburg-Buse-Waubay complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Buse-Barnes loams, 9 to 20 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aastad-Forman loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Poinsett-Waubay silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Parnell silty clay loam | 14K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Forman-Buse-Aastad loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Buse loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Egeland-Embden complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Buse-Svea loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Forman-Cresbard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Renshaw-Fordville loams, coteau, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Renshaw-Sioux complex, coteau, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 21% 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
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.