Custer and Pennington Counties Area, Black Hills Parts, South Dakota

Survey Area SD607• 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 Custer and Pennington Counties Area, Black Hills Parts, 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
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

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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.