Doniphan 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 Doniphan County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contrary-Monona silt loams, 9 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 51K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Contrary-Pohocco silt loams, 17 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monona silt loam, 5 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 18K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Palermo-Knox complex, 10 to 18 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Aksarben silty clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monona silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hamburg silt loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palermo silty clay loam, 18 to 30 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marshall silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Morrill loam, 7 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Onawa and Waldron silty clay loams, occasionally flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, occasionally flooded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Onawa loamy fine sand, overwash, occasionally flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marshall silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bendena-Rock Outcrop complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, frequently flooded | 4K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithland silt loam, occasionally flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haynie silt loam, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morrill loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Judson silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 45% 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.