Kiowa County, Colorado
The most common soil here is Wiley, on about 12% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Fort and Valent come next.
About 98% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 55% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 6% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 4% of it.
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 Kiowa County, Colorado, 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 Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 55% 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.