Clay County, Kansas

Survey Area KS027• Kansas

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Clay 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
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

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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

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.