Lane 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 Lane County, Kansas.
| 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 |
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.