Kiowa County, Colorado
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 Kiowa County, Colorado.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baca-Wiley complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 138K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Norka silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 91K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wiley loam | 84K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wilid silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 81K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fort loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 79K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Richfield silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Valent-Vonid complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes, dry | 43K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Fort sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Aguilar clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Not limited |
| Olney sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Valent loamy sand, 1 to 15 percent slopes, dry | 30K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Singerton-Pultney complex, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Manzanola silty clay loam, saline, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colby silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Valent-Bijou loamy sands, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 23K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fort, eroded-Kimera complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fort Collins sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Colby silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kimera-Fort-Larimer loams, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Vonid-Fort sandy loams, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not 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 52% 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.