Ford 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 Ford County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harney silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 183K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harney silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 160K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Uly silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Penden-Tobin complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pratt-Tivoli loamy fine sands, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dale and Humbarger clay loams, rarely flooded | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Uly-Coly silt loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dale silt loam, rarely flooded | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Spearville silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Uly-Harney silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Spearville complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Penden clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Campus-Canlon complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Attica-Solvay complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Naron-Saltcreek fine sandy loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tivoli fine sand, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uly silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Las Animas-Lincoln complex, occasionally flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
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 71% 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.