Edmunds County, South Dakota
The most common soil here is Williams, on about 26% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Bowbells and Tonka come next.
About 72% of the land drains well, and 15% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 41% of it.
USDA rates 47% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 17% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Edmunds County, South Dakota, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Edmunds 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williams-Bowbells-Tonka complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 170K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 119K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Niobell-Noonan loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 66K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bryant silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Parnell silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau | 31K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zahl-Williams-Zahill complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bryant silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tonka-Parnell complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau | 22K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bryant-Grassna silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bowbells-Niobell loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Zahl-Parnell complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Heil silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Noonan-Miranda loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tonka silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Temvik-Grassna silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ranslo-Harriet loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zahl-Max loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mondamin silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Straw-Fluvaquents channeled, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 47% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.