Hand County, South Dakota

Survey Area SD059• 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 Hand 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
Houdek-Prosper loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes	96K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Houdek-Prosper loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes	92K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Glenham-Propser loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes	69K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Eakin-Raber complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes	63K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Glenham-Cavo loams, undulating	40K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Tetonka silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	38K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Glenham-Cavo loams, nearly level	36K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Houdek loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Houdek-Dudley complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Glenham loam, undulating	27K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hoven silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	21K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Raber-Peno loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bon loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	19K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Glenham-Java loams, rolling	18K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Houdek-Dudley complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Peno-Raber loams, hilly	16K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Glenham-Prosper loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Houdek-Ethan loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Prosper-Stickney loams, nearly level	11K	Moderately well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bon-Northville complex, nearly level	10K	Moderately 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.

Vertisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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 100% 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

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.