Osage County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Osage County, Kansas.
| 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 |
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.