Turner County, South Dakota
The most common soil here is Egan, on about 19% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Clarno and Ethan come next.
About 64% of the land drains well, and 24% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 29% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 29% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 10% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Turner County, South Dakota, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Turner 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egan-Ethan complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Egan-Trent silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarno-Crossplain-Davison complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 42K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wentworth-Chancellor-Wakonda silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 30K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Egan-Wentworth complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarno-Bonilla loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Clarno-Ethan-Bonilla loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Clarno-Bonilla loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Delmont-Enet loams, high precipitation, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ethan-Egan complex, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tetonka silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarno-Ethan-Bonilla loams, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lamo silty clay loam, cool, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ethan-Betts loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clamo silty clay | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bon loam, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bon loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chancellor silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Baltic silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally ponded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Worthing silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | C/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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 29% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 98% 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.