Chautauqua 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 Chautauqua County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clime-Sogn complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 65K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Steedman stony clay loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 59K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Niotaze-Darnell complex, 6 to 35 percent slopes | 38K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stephenville-Darnell fine sandy loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sogn silty clay loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dennis silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mason silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Martin-Dwight silty clay loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dennis silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Martin silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eram silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Verdigris silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eram-Collinsville complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Martin silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Martin silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dennis silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lula silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clareson-Sogn complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ivan silt loam, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osage-Drummond complex, occasionally flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 98% 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.