Mitchell County, Kansas

Survey Area KS123• Kansas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Mitchell 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
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

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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

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.