McPherson County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 McPherson County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crete silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, loess plains and breaks | 101K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crete silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, loess plains and breaks | 91K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ladysmith silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 80K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lancaster-Hedville complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Smolan silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tobin silt loam, occasionally flooded | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Longford silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Goessel silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Irwin silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hord silt loam, rarely flooded | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Farnum loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Edalgo silt loam, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lancaster loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bridgeport silt loam, rarely flooded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Roxbury silt loam, rarely flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clime silty clay, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crete silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wells loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Longford silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wells loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 75% 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.