Lincoln County, South Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Lincoln County, South Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wentworth-Chancellor silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 106K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Egan silty clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chancellor-Tetonka complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wentworth silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Moody-Nora silty clay loams, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 18K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chancellor-Wakonda-Tetonka complex | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Egan-Chancellor silty clay loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chancellor-Viborg silty clay loams | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moody silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Egan-Shindler complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crofton-Nora complex, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Worthing silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Egan-Shindler complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lamo silty clay loam, cool, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Egan-Worthing complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tetonka silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently ponded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Graceville silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Alcester silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Alcester silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Alcester and Lamo silty clay loams | 3K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 24% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 59% 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.