Haskell County, Kansas

Survey Area KS081• 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 Haskell 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	215K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ulysses silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Richfield and Ulysses complexes, bench leveled	15K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ulysses silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Lubbock silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Satanta loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Spearville silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Valent fine sand, 5 to 20 percent slopes	8K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Valent-Vona loamy fine sands, 3 to 15 percent slopes	8K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ness silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded	7K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Otero-Ulysses complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Manter fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Vona loamy fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Manter fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Otero-Schamber complex, warm, 5 to 20 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Satanta fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Richfield silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Buffalo Park-Ulysses silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded	1K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Colby loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Ulysses loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	1K	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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Vertisols

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

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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 90% 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.