Ellis County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Ellis County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harney-Carlson silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harney silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harney silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Brownell gravelly loam, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armo loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Roxbury silt loam, occasionally flooded | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armo loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Harney-Armo complex, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 23K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mento silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bogue-Armo complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harney silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Roxbury silt loam, rarely flooded | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Heizer-Armo complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harney-Wakeen silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mento soils, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Corinth silty clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Campus-Carlson complex, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakeen silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harney silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Campus-Penden complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 30% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 73% 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.