Elk County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Elk County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clime-Sogn complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 64K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Steedman stony loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 54K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catoosa-Sogn complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eram silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eram silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dennis silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenoma silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Martin silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Labette-Sogn silty clay loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stephenville-Darnell fine sandy loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mason silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Labette-Dwight complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Niotaze-Darnell complex, 6 to 35 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catoosa silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Verdigris silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clime stony silty clay loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Florence-Martin complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Woodson silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fiat silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Martin silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.