Hanson and Hutchinson Counties, South Dakota
The most common soil here is Clarno, on about 30% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Bonilla and Tetonka come next.
About 68% of the land drains well, and 17% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 19% of it.
USDA rates 90% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 23% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% 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 Hanson and Hutchinson Counties, 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 Hanson and Hutchinson Counties, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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
About 23% 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.