Hamilton County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Hamilton County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richfield silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 179K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colby silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 141K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ulysses silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Colby silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Valent fine sand, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 32K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colby silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Goshen silt loam, rarely flooded | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ulysses loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Valent loamy fine sand, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 17K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Buffalo Park-Ulysses silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ulysses silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Valent-Valent, eroded complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 13K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bridgeport clay loam, saline, rarely flooded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Manter fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Colby silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vona loamy fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Lincoln soils, occasionally flooded | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valent fine sand, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bridgeport silt loam, channeled | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manter fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
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 52% 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.