Kiowa County, Kansas

Survey Area KS097• Kansas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Kiowa 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
Pratt loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes	52K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Harney silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	42K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pratt-Tivoli loamy fine sands, 5 to 15 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Harney silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	34K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pratt loamy fine sand, 5 to 12 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Holdrege-Coly association, 3 to 11 percent slopes, eroded	22K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Attica loamy fine sand, 1 to 3 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Holdrege silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Case clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Wellsford clay, 6 to 25 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Coly-Tobin silt loams, 0 to 15 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Saltcreek and Naron fine sandy loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Farnum and Funmar loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Albion-Shellabarger sandy loams, 3 to 15 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Uly silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Tivoli fine sand, 10 to 30 percent slopes	9K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Farnum and Funmar loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Case clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Clark loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Dale silt loam, rarely flooded	6K	Well drained	B	Very 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.

Alfisols

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

Entisols

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

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 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.