Mitchell County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is 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 Mitchell County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harney silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 109K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harney-Mento complex, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 74K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harney-Mento silty clay loams, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 44K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nibson silt loam, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 33K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roxbury silt loam, occasionally flooded | 30K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harney-Corinth silty clay loams, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Roxbury silt loam, rarely flooded | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hord silt loam, rarely flooded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Crete silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, loess plains and breaks | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tully silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bogue-Armo complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roxbury silt loam, channeled, frequently flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCook silt loam, rarely flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Roxbury-Armo complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Corinth silty clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harney silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| New Cambria silty clay, rarely flooded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Detroit silty clay loam, rarely flooded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harney silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 72% 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.