Day County, 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 Day 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forman-Buse-Aastad loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 105K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Forman-Buse-Aastad loams, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 101K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Buse-Barnes loams, 9 to 20 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southam silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 43K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kranzburg-Brookings silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 24K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Oldham silty clay loam | 21K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parnell silty clay loam | 19K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poinsett-Rusklyn-Waubay silty clay loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kranzburg-Forman complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Renshaw-Sioux complex, coteau, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Poinsett-Waubay silty clay loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kranzburg-Brookings-Buse complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Forman-Aastad loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kranzburg-Buse-Waubay complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Renshaw-Fordville loams, coteau, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Forman-Buse-Aastad loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hamerly-Parnell complex | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sioux-Renshaw complex, coteau, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Buse-Barnes loams, 9 to 40 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Well drained | C | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 25% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.