Hughes County, South Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Hughes County, South Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highmore silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 72K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 40K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Highmore-DeGrey silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mobridge silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Highmore silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Highmore-Glenham silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cavo-Demky silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lowry silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Raber-Cavo loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gettys clay loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Betts loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eakin-Raber complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| DeGrey-Walke silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Not limited |
| Hoven silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sansarc-Lakoma clays, 9 to 40 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peno-Gettys clay loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Agar silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Jerauld silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sansarc-Badland complex, 9 to 40 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Schamber-Orton complex | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
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 79% 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.