Perkins County, South Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Perkins County, South Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vebar-Cohagen fine sandy loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 136K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Twilight-Marmarth-Parchin fine sandy loams, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 123K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Reeder-Lantry loams, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 109K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cabba-Lantry complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 91K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rhoades-Daglum-Rhoades, severely eroded complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 87K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bullock-Slickspots complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 83K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Morton-Lantry loams, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 80K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bullock-Parchin loams, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 77K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Morton-Lantry loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 74K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vebar-Flasher-Tally complex, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Reeder-Rhoades loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 59K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Amor-Cabba loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 56K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Regent-Wyola silty clay loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vebar-Parshall fine sandy loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 52K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Morton loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Amor-Cabba loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Regent-Daglum complex, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shambo loam, channeled | 34K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rhoades-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Trembles fine sandy loam | 30K | Well drained | A | 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 93% 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.