Kearny County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Kearny County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richfield silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 153K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ulysses silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 85K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Valent fine sand, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 78K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ulysses silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Valent-Vona loamy fine sands, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 34K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Goshen silt loam, rarely flooded | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colby silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Valent-Valent, eroded complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 14K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ulysses and Richfield soils, silted, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Colby silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Colby silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Las clay loam, moderately deep, occasionally flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bridgeport clay loam, saline, rarely flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Las clay loam, deep, occasionally flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Otero-Schamber complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Richfield-Penden complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vona loamy fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Buffalo Park-Ulysses silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Manter fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Sweetwater clay loam, occasionally flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very 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 79% 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.