Todd County, South Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Todd County, South Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anselmo-Longpine fine sandy loams, 9 to 21 percent slopes | 82K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Holt-Vetal fine sandy loams, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Valentine-Dunday complex, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 52K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Valentine fine sand, rolling and hilly, 9 to 60 percent slopes | 40K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Anselmo fine sandy loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Keota-Epping silt loams, 9 to 21 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Longpine-Ronson fine sandy loams, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valentine fine sand, 9 to 25 percent slopes | 27K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Anselmo-Vetal fine sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kadoka-Epping silt loams, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Anselmo fine sandy loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tuthill-Anselmo fine sandy loams, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Valentine-Tassel complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 18K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loup-Elsmere loamy fine sands | 16K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McKelvie-Peji complex, 40 to 80 percent slopes | 15K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keota-Rock outcrop complex, 16 to 40 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holt fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tuthill silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Keota-Kadoka silt loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Richfield-Tuthill silt loams, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not 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 94% 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.