Greeley County, Kansas

Survey Area KS071• Kansas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Greeley 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
Richfield silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	299K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ulysses silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	98K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Goshen silt loam, rarely flooded	22K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ulysses silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Colby silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ulysses loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Colby silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Colby silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Keith silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Bridgeport silt loam, rarely flooded	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Ness silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded	4K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lincoln fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded	3K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Ulysses loam and silt loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Campus-Canlon complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Manter fine sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes	315	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Buffalo Park-Ulysses silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded	143	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Buffalo Park silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	98	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Water	46			Not rated	Not rated
Canyon loam, 5 to 30 percent slopes	26	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Manter fine sandy loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes	14	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not 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.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

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 69% 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.