Cherokee County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly 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 Cherokee County, Kansas.
| 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 |
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 98% 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.