Finney County, Kansas

Survey Area KS055• Kansas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Finney 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
Richfield silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	182K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Valent fine sand, 5 to 20 percent slopes	67K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Valent-Vona loamy fine sands, 3 to 15 percent slopes	63K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Richfield silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	46K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ulysses silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	46K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Ulysses silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Penden-Roxbury complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes	38K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Beeler silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Richfield-Spearville complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Satanta loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Spearville silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Buffalo Park silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Manter fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Otero-Ulysses complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Valent-Valent, eroded complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes	14K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Vona loamy fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Ness silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded	11K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Buffalo Park-Ulysses silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded	10K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Richfield soils, silted, 0 to 1 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Richfield and Ulysses complexes, bench leveled	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

About 79% 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

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.