Morton County, Kansas

Survey Area KS129• Kansas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Morton 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
Wagonbed silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	79K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Richfield silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	77K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Atchison loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	37K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Dalhart loamy fine sand, 3 to 5 percent slopes	34K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ulysses silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Dalhart loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Eva loamy fine sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes	17K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Eva-Optima complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes	17K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Atchison clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Bigbow fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Eva loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	13K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Optima loamy sand, 5 to 20 percent slopes	12K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bigbow loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Dalhart fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Optima loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Wagonbed silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Belfon clay loam, cool, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Happyditch loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Belfon loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Zella silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	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.

Alfisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

About 32% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

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.