Sanborn County, South Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Sanborn County, South Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarno-Bonilla loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Clarno-Bonilla loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Clarno-Ethan-Bonilla loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Houdek-Stickney complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tetonka silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 22K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tetonka-Davison-Clarno complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | C/D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Carthage-Hand fine sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hand-Ethan loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Durrstein silt loam | 14K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ethan-Clarno loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Houdek-Dudley complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Carthage-Clarno fine sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Worthing silty clay loam, ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shue-Davison loamy fine sands | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarno-Dudley complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Houdek-Prosper loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elsmere loamy fine sand, loamy substratum | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Forestburg-Ethan loamy fine sands, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Houdek-Prosper loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Houdek-Ethan loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.