Leavenworth County, Kansas

Survey Area KS103 Kansas

The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Leavenworth County, Kansas. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map UnitAcresDrainageHydro GroupDwellingsSeptic
Pawnee clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes, eroded 27K Moderately well drainedDVery limitedVery limited
Rosendale-Bendena silty clay loams, 3 to 40 percent slopes 24K Moderately well drainedDVery limitedVery limited
Grundy silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded 17K Somewhat poorly drainedC/DVery limitedVery limited
Shelby clay loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded 17K Well drainedCSomewhat limitedVery limited
Martin silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded 15K Moderately well drainedC/DVery limitedVery limited
Sharpsburg silty clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes, eroded 14K Moderately well drainedCVery limitedVery limited
Muscotah silty clay loam, occasionally flooded 13K Somewhat poorly drainedCVery limitedVery limited
Grundy silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes 12K Somewhat poorly drainedC/DVery limitedVery limited
Kennebec silt loam, frequently flooded 12K Moderately well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Elmont silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded 11K Well drainedCSomewhat limitedVery limited
Gosport-Sogn complex, 7 to 35 percent slopes 8K Moderately well drainedDVery limitedVery limited
Ladoga silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes 7K Moderately well drainedCSomewhat limitedVery limited
Kennebec silt loam, occasionally flooded 7K Moderately well drainedCVery limitedVery limited
Armster clay loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded 7K Moderately well drainedDVery limitedVery limited
Shelby clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes, eroded 5K Well drainedCSomewhat limitedVery limited
Vinland-Sibleyville complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes 5K Somewhat excessively drainedDVery limitedVery limited
Marshall silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes 4K Well drainedCSomewhat limitedVery limited
Knox silt loam, 7 to 12 percent slopes 4K Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Gosport complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes 4K Moderately well drainedDVery limitedVery limited
Martin silty clay loam, 7 to 12 percent slopes, eroded 4K Moderately well drainedC/DVery limitedVery 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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 77% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 98% 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.

Look Up a Specific Address

📍