Jerauld County, 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 Jerauld 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houdek-Ethan-Prosper loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Houdek-Ethan-Prosper loams, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarno-Ethan-Bonilla loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Clarno-Bonilla loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ethan-Betts loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Homme-Peno complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Eakin-Ethan-Onita complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Houdek-Dudley complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Plankinton-Crossplain complex | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Betts-Ethan loams, 6 to 40 percent slopes, stony | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beadle-Jerauld-Dudley complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hand-Ethan-Prosper loams, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lane silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Durrstein silt loam | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houdek-Prosper loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Betts-Ethan loams, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peno-Gettys complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bon loam, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mobridge silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tetonka silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 22% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.