Hamilton County, Kansas
The most common soil here is Colby, on about 32% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Richfield and Ulysses come next.
About 97% of the land drains well, and 3% stays wet for long stretches.
USDA rates 53% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 13% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Hamilton 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 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 Hamilton 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 | 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 |
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
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 53% 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.