Lane County, Kansas

Survey Area KS101• 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 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.

Mollisols

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

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 74% 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.