Marion County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Marion County, Kansas.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 71% 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 93% 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.