Marion County, Kansas
The most common soil here is Irwin, on about 27% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Clime and Verdigris come next.
About 60% of the land drains well, and 6% stays wet for long stretches.
USDA rates 91% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 69% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 10% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 37% 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 Marion 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 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 Marion 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irwin silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 174K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clime silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wells loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ladysmith silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tully silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clime silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Verdigris silt loam, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Verdigris silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Labette-Sogn silty clay loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosehill silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clime-Sogn complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sogn silty clay loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | 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 | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Irwin silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lancaster loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Goessel silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chase silty clay loam, occasionally flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lancaster-Hedville complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Reading silt loam, rarely flooded | 7K | Well drained | C | Very 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 69% 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 91% 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.