Harding County, South Dakota

Survey Area SD063• 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 Harding 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
Parchin-Bullock fine sandy loams, 2 to 9 percent slopes	143K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bullock-Cabbart complex, 6 to 25 percent slopes	107K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Twilight-Parchin fine sandy loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes	85K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cabba-Lantry-Amor loams, 9 to 25 percent slopes	82K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Twilight-Blackhall fine sandy loams, 9 to 25 percent slopes	79K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Amor-Cabba loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes	77K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cabbart-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes	75K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bullock-Parchin-Slickspots complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes	73K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rhame-Parchin fine sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes	56K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rhoades-Daglum complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	48K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Cohagen fine sandy loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Archin-Bullock fine sandy loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes	40K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Not limited
Twilight fine sandy loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes	34K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Marmarth-Parchin fine sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes	34K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rhame fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Reeder-Cabba loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cabbart-Delridge loams, 15 to 40 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Zeona loamy fine sand, 2 to 9 percent slopes	20K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Gerdrum silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rhoades-Rhoades, severely eroded complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	19K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Somewhat 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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 27% 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

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.