Custer and Pennington Counties Area, Black Hills Parts, South Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Custer and Pennington Counties Area, Black Hills Parts, South Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stovho-Trebor complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 99K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pactola-Virkula-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 92K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sawdust-Vanocker, dry-Rockerville complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 76K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pactola-Pactola, shallow-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 80 percent slopes | 52K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockerville-Gurney complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 42K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stovho-Riflepit-Trebor complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pactola-Virkula-Rock outcrop complex, dry, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buska-Mocmont-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mocmont-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 75 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hopdraw-Sawdust-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 80 percent slopes | 31K | Excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pactola-Pactola, shallow-Rock outcrop complex, dry, 40 to 80 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockerville-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 30 percent slopes | 26K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buska, dry-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sawdust-Hopdraw-Rockerville complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vanocker, dry-Sawdust-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 80 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buska-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mocmont-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vanocker-Citadel complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buska-Virkula, high mica loams, dry, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rockoa, very bouldery-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 92% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.