Ellsworth 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 Ellsworth County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancaster-Hedville complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 81K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harney silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 66K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harney-Wells complex, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crete silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, loess plains and breaks | 47K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tobin silt loam, occasionally flooded | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wells loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Edalgo-Hedville loams, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armo loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Harney-Wakeen complex, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Armo loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wells loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Jansen sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nibson silt loam, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roxbury silt loam, occasionally flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nibson-Wakeen silt loams, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCook silt loam, rarely flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Crete silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, loess plains and breaks | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meadin sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Edalgo-Hedville loams, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 31% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 81% 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.