Hughes County, South Dakota

Survey Area SD065• 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 Hughes 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
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

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.

Vertisols

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

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.