Barton County, Kansas
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 Barton County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harney silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 181K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crete silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, loess plains and breaks | 87K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hord silt loam, rarely flooded | 30K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pratt loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Saltcreek and Naron fine sandy loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nibson-Wakeen silt loams, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| New Cambria silty clay loam, rarely flooded | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roxbury silt loam, occasionally flooded | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakeen silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kisiwa loam, depressional | 14K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uly silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hayes-Solvay loamy fine sands, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Geary silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Platte soils, occasionally flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bridgeport silt loam, rarely flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Punkin silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waldeck fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Taver loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaski loam, rarely flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 44% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 86% 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.