Lane County, Kansas
The most common soil here is Richfield, on about 33% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Harney and Ulysses come next.
About 98% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 72% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 8% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 4% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Lane County, Kansas, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Lane 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, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 115K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Richfield silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 95K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Richfield silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Penden clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Richfield-Ulysses silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Canlon-Campus complex, 1 to 40 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buffalo Park-Ulysses silt loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Buffalo Park-Ulysses silt loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ulysses silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ulysses silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Harney-Richfield complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elkader and Manvel silt loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Buffalo Park-Ulysses silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ness silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kim-Penden clay loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bridgeport loam, channeled | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penden clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Penden-Kim clay loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Caruso silt loam, saline, occasionally flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kim-Penden clay loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat 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.
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 72% 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.