Clay County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Clay County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crete silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, loess plains and breaks | 61K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crete silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 53K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crete silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded, loess plains and breaks | 53K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crete silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 47K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Geary silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Muir silt loam, very rarely flooded | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lancaster-Hedville complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, occasionally flooded | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kipson-Sogn complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huscher silt loam, occasionally flooded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muir silt loam, rarely flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, channeled, frequently flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Edalgo silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Geary silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lancaster loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cass fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wells loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Geary silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Benfield silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 65% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 86% 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.