Lyon County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Lyon 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenoma silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 106K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clime-Sogn complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ladysmith silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 46K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ivan silt loam, occasionally flooded | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenoma silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded | 25K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Martin silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chase silty clay loam, occasionally flooded | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ivan silt loam, channeled | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osage silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 19K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reading silt loam, rarely flooded | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Labette-Dwight complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Labette silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elmont silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Florence-Labette complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Martin silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Martin silty clay, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Olpe-Kenoma complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elmont silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eram silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clime silty clay, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very 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
About 78% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.