Lincoln County, Colorado

Survey Area CO073• Colorado

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 Lincoln 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
Weld silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	120K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Arvada clay loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes	59K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Not limited
Fort loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	58K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Valent loamy sand, 1 to 15 percent slopes, warm	55K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Colby-Weld silt loams, 1 to 5 percent slopes	50K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Manzanst clay loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	45K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wiley silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	45K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Midway-Razor clay loams, moist, 5 to 15 percent slopes	44K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Platner-Ascalon complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Fort Collins-Platner loams, 1 to 5 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Platner loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Valent-Bijou loamy sands, 1 to 12 percent slopes	39K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Manzanola clay loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	37K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Area not surveyed, access denied	37K			Not rated	Not rated
Bankard-Glenberg complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, moist, occasionally flooded	34K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Olney sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Not limited
Vonid sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes	33K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Bacid silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Razor clay loam, moist, 1 to 5 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wilid silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 23% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 54% 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.