Ness County, 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 Ness 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, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 166K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harney silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 164K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Uly silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 71K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Uly silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Heizer-Wakeen complex, 3 to 40 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penden-Coly complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Roxbury silt loam, rarely flooded | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Coly-Uly silt loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 21K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Roxbury silt loam, occasionally flooded | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penden-Bridgeport complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hord silty clay loam, rarely flooded | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bridgeport silt loam, rarely flooded | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Penden clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Uly-Coly silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Campus-Canlon complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fluvents, frequently flooded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakeen silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harney silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Harney-Uly silt loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wakeen silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | 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.
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 62% 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.