Decatur 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 Decatur County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holdrege silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, plains and breaks | 202K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coly silt loam, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 107K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Uly silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 97K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Uly silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 29K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Keith silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, south | 28K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Penden-Canlon loams, 7 to 30 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bridgeport silt loam, rarely flooded | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, plains and breaks | 19K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| McCook silt loam, occasionally flooded | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colby silt loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bridgeport silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bridgeport silt loam, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ulysses silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Caruso silty clay loam, occasionally flooded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Munjor sandy loam, occasionally flooded | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uly silt loam, 10 to 20 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uly silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Keith silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Colby silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 987 | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hord silt loam, rarely flooded | 804 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 48% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.