Osage County, Kansas
The most common soil here is Eram, on about 19% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Kenoma and Summit come next.
About 31% of the land drains well, and 13% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 43% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 88% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 11% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 36% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Osage County, Kansas, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Osage 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenoma silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 79K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eram silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 70K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clareson-Eram complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky | 51K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Summit silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 43K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dennis silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 32K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aliceville silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 32K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lebo-Summit complex, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Verdigris silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Verdigris silt loam, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodson silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Eram silty clay, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elmont loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Osage silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Summit silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Olpe-Kenoma complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mason silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clime-Sogn complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Osage silty clay, frequently flooded | 3K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dwight silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% 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 97% 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.