Franklin County, Kansas
The most common soil here is Kenoma, on about 16% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Woodson and Aliceville come next.
About 28% of the land drains well, and 30% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 57% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 95% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 17% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 34% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Franklin County, Kansas, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Franklin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 95% 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 99% 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.