Cherokee County, Kansas
The most common soil here is Dennis, on about 22% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Parsons and Hepler come next.
About 15% of the land drains well, and 77% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 69% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 88% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 19% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 10% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Cherokee County, Kansas, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly 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 Cherokee 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dennis silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 93K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parsons silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 85K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hepler silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 33K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hepler silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bates loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Taloka silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cherokee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kanima silty clay loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osage silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coalvale silty clay, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville very gravelly silt loam, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nixa very gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lanton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zaar silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bates-Collinsville complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bates loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bolivar-Hector complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dumps, mine | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Verdigris silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% 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 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.