Bourbon County, Kansas

Survey Area KS011• Kansas

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Bourbon County, Kansas. 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
Wagstaff silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	57K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Clareson stony silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	52K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Kenoma silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	50K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Zaar silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	29K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dennis silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	29K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dennis silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes	28K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Zaar silty clay, 3 to 8 percent slopes	27K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ringo-Clareson complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	27K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Verdigris silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	20K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Parsons silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	17K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nowata silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bates loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lanton silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Mason silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Eram-Collinsville complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bates loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Osage silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	4K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tamaha silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Brazilton silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Verdigris silt loam, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	2K	Well drained	B	Very 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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 100% 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.