Comanche County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Comanche County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albion-Shellabarger sandy loams, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Quinlan-Woodward loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clark clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Case clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Quinlan-Woodward loams, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shellabarger sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| St. Paul silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lincoln loamy sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carey silt loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Eda-Tivoli sands, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Albion sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Abilene silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodward-Quinlan complex, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clark-Kingsdown complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kingsdown fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Obaro silty clay loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dale silt loam, rarely flooded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Farnum loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clark clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Case clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 29% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 64% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.