Ziebach County, South Dakota

Survey Area SD137• South Dakota

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Ziebach 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
Samsil clay, 15 to 45 percent slopes	97K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pierre-Samsil clays, 9 to 30 percent slopes	82K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sansarc-Opal clays, 9 to 25 percent slopes	75K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lantry-Cabba complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes	74K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Reeder-Lantry complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes	71K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Vebar-Daglum complex, 3 to 9 percent slopes	59K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rhoades-Daglum complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	54K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Regent-Rhoades complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes	53K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pierre clay, 2 to 6 percent slopes	51K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Regent silty clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	46K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bullock-Parchin fine sandy loams, 0 to 9 percent slopes	39K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Reeder-Rhoades-Lantry complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Vebar-Cohagen fine sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pierre clay, 6 to 9 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Daglum-Rhoades loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Kyle clay, 2 to 6 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cohagen-Vebar-Bullock fine sandy loams, 6 to 25 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rhoades-Daglum complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Cabba-Lantry complex, 25 to 40 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cohagen-Vebar fine sandy loams, 15 to 40 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 75% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 91% 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.