Hanson and Hutchinson Counties, South Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Hanson and Hutchinson Counties, South Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarno-Bonilla loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 241K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Clarno loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 75K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Prosper-Stickney complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 62K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tetonka silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 50K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Betts-Ethan loams, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarno-Davison loams, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hand loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hand loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tetonka and Whitewood silty clay loams | 20K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stickney-Dudley silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarno-Ethan-Bonilla loams, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bon loam, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Prosper and Crossplain complex | 14K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ethan-Betts loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarno-Crossplain-Davison complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hand-Davison loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tetonka-Harps complex | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ethan-Betts loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Worthing silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Henkin fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 21% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 90% 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.