Franklin County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Franklin County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenoma silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 61K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodson silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 39K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aliceville silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 34K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clareson-Eram complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dennis-Bates complex, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eram-Aliceville complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 29K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Verdigris silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Summit silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osage silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bates-Collinsville complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Verdigris silt loam, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodson silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bates-Collinsville complex, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dennis silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leanna silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osage silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lebo-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bates loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Eram-Lebo complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bolivar-Hector complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 96% 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.