Elk County, Kansas

Survey Area KS049• Kansas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Elk 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
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

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.

Alfisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

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.