Barber County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Barber County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albion and Shellabarger sandy loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 103K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vernon clay loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 82K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quinlan-Woodward loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 64K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grant silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Knoco-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 80 percent slopes | 34K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodward-Quinlan complex, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clairemont soils, channeled, frequently flooded | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lincoln soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 24K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Albion-Shellabarger sandy loams, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dale silt loam, rarely flooded | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vernon-Knoco complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 20K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pond Creek silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Grant silt loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kingfisher-Vernon complex, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shellabarger sandy loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clairemont silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, cool | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pond Creek silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Quinlan-Clairemont complex, 0 to 50 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blanket silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nalim loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 50% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 79% 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.