Geary County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is 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 Geary County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clime-Sogn complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Benfield-Florence complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Irwin-Konza silty clay loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Irwin silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crete silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Tully silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kahola silt loam, occasionally flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clime silty clay loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crete silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reading silty clay loam, rarely flooded | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tully silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ladysmith silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muir silt loam, rarely flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Geary silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wells-Ortello complex, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| McCook-Smokyhill silt loams, occasionally flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eudora silt loam, occasionally flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sutphen silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Geary silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 69% 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 91% 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.