Jewell County, Kansas

Survey Area KS089• 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 Jewell 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
Harney silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	148K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Holdrege silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, plains and breaks	52K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Harney silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes	42K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Holdrege and Geary silty clay loams, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded	37K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Nuckolls-Tobin silt loams, 0 to 30 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Brownell-Heizer gravelly loams, 3 to 30 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wakeen-Nibson complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Roxbury silt loam, occasionally flooded	22K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Harney-Mento complex, 3 to 7 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Roxbury silt loam, channeled, frequently flooded	17K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Roxbury silt loam, rarely flooded	17K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Geary silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bogue-Armo complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes	15K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Harney silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded	15K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Corinth-Harney silty clay loams, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded	14K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hord silt loam, rarely flooded	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Armo loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Harney silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Wakeen silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Crete silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, loess plains and breaks	8K	Moderately well drained	C	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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Alfisols

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

Vertisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 26% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 73% 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.