Corson County, South Dakota

Survey Area SD031• South Dakota

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Corson 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
Rhoades-Daglum complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	97K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Cabba-Reeder loams, 6 to 25 percent slopes	89K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Reeder-Cabba loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes	72K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Reeder-Cabba loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes	70K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Reeder loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	67K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bullock-Parchin fine sandy loams, 0 to 9 percent slopes	63K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Vebar-Flasher-Tally complex, 9 to 15 percent slopes	60K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Flasher-Vebar-Parshall complex, 9 to 35 percent slopes	55K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vebar-Parshall fine sandy loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes	53K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Vebar-Cohagen fine sandy loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes	50K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	49K			Not rated	Not rated
Regent-Wyola silty clay loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes	47K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Daglum-Rhoades complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	38K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Sansarc-Opal-Dupree clays, 9 to 25% slopes	31K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Shambo loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Dupree-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 30 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rhoades-Daglum complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Reeder-Rhoades loams, 2 to 9 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Wayden-Cabba complex, 9 to 40 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bullock-Slickspots-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 40 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	D	Somewhat 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.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 43% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 78% 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.