Gove County, Kansas

Survey Area KS063• Kansas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Gove 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
Ulysses silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	143K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Keith silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	90K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Kim-Penden clay loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes	58K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Harney silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Manvel-Badland complex, 6 to 40 percent slopes	38K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Kuma silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	38K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Ulysses silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	34K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Buffalo Park-Ulysses silt loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Harney silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ulysses silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Elkader silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Elkader and Manvel silt loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Elkader silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Roxbury silt loam, occasionally flooded	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Holdrege silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, plains and breaks	10K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Buffalo Park-Ulysses silt loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	10K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Bridgeport silt loam, occasionally flooded	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Keith silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, south	9K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Penden clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Manvel silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat 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 24% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

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.