Meade County, South Dakota, Southern Part

Survey Area SD600• South Dakota

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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 59% 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 86% 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.