Meade County, South Dakota, Northern Part
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 Meade County, South Dakota, Northern Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullock-Parchin fine sandy loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 94K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Delridge-Cabbart loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 82K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gerdrum loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 71K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Twilight-Marmarth-Parchin fine sandy loams, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cabbart loam, 9 to 40 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blackhall-Twilight fine sandy loams, 9 to 40 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parchin-Bullock fine sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Assinniboine fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Tanna-Savo complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lawther silty clay, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Assinniboine-Twilight fine sandy loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Samsil clay, 6 to 25 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eapa-Grail complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Absher-Slickspots complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Samsil-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Havre loam, channeled | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eapa loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Abor silty clay, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eapa-Delridge loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blackhall-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 43% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 82% 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.