Butler County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is 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 Butler 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irwin silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 182K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Labette-Dwight complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 103K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dwight silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 98K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Florence cherty silt loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Labette-Sogn silty clay loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Verdigris silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 49K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ladysmith silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 42K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Verdigris soils, frequently flooded | 40K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Labette silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clime-Sogn complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Benfield-Labette cherty silty clay loams, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Norge silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Brewer silty clay loam, rarely flooded | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Irwin silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 20K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosehill silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Irwin silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Goessel silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vanoss silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sogn silty clay loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 81% 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 97% 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.