Minnehaha 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 Minnehaha 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nora-Crofton complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 70K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Moody-Nora complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Egan-Ethan-Trent complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ethan-Egan complex, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Egan-Wentworth-Trent complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Whitewood silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moody silty clay loam, cool, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clamo silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moody-Trent complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Obert silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crofton-Nora complex, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lamo silty clay loam, channeled | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chaska loam, channeled, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Worthing-Davison complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakonda-Chancellor complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thurman-Flandreau complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chancellor-Tetonka complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moody-Nora silty clay loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Trent silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dempster silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not 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 22% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 76% 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.