Meade County, South Dakota, Southern Part
The most common soil here is Nunn, on about 10% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Pierre and Lismas come next.
About 99% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 82% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 60% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 50% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Meade County, South Dakota, Southern Part, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Meade County, South Dakota, Southern Part. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lismas clay, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 72K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nunn clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 71K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pierre clay, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 70K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Samsil clay, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 66K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kyle clay, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lismas-Winler clays, 6 to 25 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zigweid-Nihill complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nunn clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Savo and Blackpipe soils, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lohmiller and Glenberg soils, channeled | 39K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Satanta loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hisle-Slickspots complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Delridge loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Assinniboine fine sandy loam, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Blackpipe silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Winler clay, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kyle clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Samsil-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lohmiller silty clay loam | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stetter clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 17K | Well drained | 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 60% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
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.