Osborne County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Osborne County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harney silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 86K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harney-Nuckolls complex, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 75K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Armo-Bogue complex, 7 to 20 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Heizer-Brownell complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 56K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harney silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harney-Mento complex, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Roxbury silt loam, rarely flooded | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hord silt loam, rarely flooded | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tobin and Roxbury silt loams, occasionally flooded | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brownell-Wakeen complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakeen-Mento complex, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harney-Mento complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Timken-Bogue clays, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bogue clay, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCook silt loam, rarely flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Harney silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Munjor-McCook complex, occasionally flooded | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Detroit silty clay loam, rarely flooded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roxbury silt loam, channeled, frequently flooded | 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 36% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 77% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.