Bourbon County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Bourbon County, Kansas.
| 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 |
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.