Fall River County, South Dakota

Survey Area SD047• 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 Fall River 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
Pierre silty clay, 6 to 25 percent slopes	195K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pierre clay, 2 to 6 percent slopes	114K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hisle-Slickspots complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	48K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Minnequa-Midway silty clay loams, 6 to 25 percent slopes	37K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mathias-Rockoa-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, stony	33K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Minnequa silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Butche-Boneek, dry complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	28K	Excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Shingle-Penrose-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kyle clay, 2 to 6 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Mathias-Butche complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes, very stony	26K	Excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Samsil clay, 15 to 40 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Savo silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Grummit-Snomo clays, 3 to 15 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mathias, very stony-Samsil-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kyle clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pierre-Grummit clays, 6 to 25 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lohmiller silty clay loam	21K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Arvada loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Not limited
Norka silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Ascalon fine sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Not 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.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 86% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 92% 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.