Lake 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 Lake 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egan-Wentworth complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 67K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Egan-Beadle complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Viborg silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Whitewood silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Egan-Viborg silty clay loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Egan-Ethan complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Worthing silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huntimer silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Badus silty clay loam | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Worthing silty clay loam, ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huntimer silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Egan-Beadle complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarno loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lamo silty clay loam, cool, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Clarno-Ethan loams, 9 to 16 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dempster silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Houdek-Prosper loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dempster silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Viborg-Egan silty clay loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat 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 31% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.