Jones County, South Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Jones County, South Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakoma silty clay, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 109K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Okaton-Lakoma silty clays, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 76K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kirley clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Opal-Sansarc clays, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Promise clay, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Opal-Promise clays, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Promise clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Opal clay, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sansarc-Opal clays, 9 to 25 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakoma silty clay, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Okaton-Wendte-Bullcreek complex, 0 to 45 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakoma silty clay, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bullcreek clay, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Millboro silty clay, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kirley clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sansarc-Dupree, acid, clays, 6 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kirley clay loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Herdcamp-Bullcreek complex | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kirley-Mosher complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 98% 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.