Gregory County, South Dakota

Survey Area SD053• 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 Gregory 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
Labu-Sansarc silty clays, 9 to 35 percent slopes	126K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Okaton-Lakoma silty clays, 15 to 40 percent slopes	53K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Reliance silty clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	47K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Anselmo-Tassel fine sandy loams, 6 to 25 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Water	24K			Not rated	Not rated
Labu clay, 9 to 15 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Reliance silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Millboro silty clay, 3 to 6 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ree loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Jansen loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Mariaville loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Meadin sandy loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes	12K	Excessively drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Boro-Lakoma silty clays, 9 to 15 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bon loam, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	12K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Onita silt loam, moist	11K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Meadin sandy loam, 9 to 25 percent slopes	11K	Excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lakoma-Millboro silty clays, 6 to 9 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wendte silty clay, channeled, occasionally flooded	10K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Promise clay, 3 to 6 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Reliance silty clay loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 67% 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 94% 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.