Jackson County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Jackson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pawnee clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 131K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Martin silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 40K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, occasionally flooded | 40K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Martin-Vinland silty clay loams, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Martin silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 23K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wymore silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clime-Sogn complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Burchard-Shelby clay loams, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Burchard-Shelby clay loams, 7 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wymore silty clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chase silty clay loam, rarely flooded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pawnee clay loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zook silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vinland-Sogn complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wabash silty clay, occasionally flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, frequently flooded | 5K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vinland silty clay loam, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burchard-Shelby clay loams, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very 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
About 84% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.