Pawnee 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 Pawnee 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 | 94K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harney silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 85K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Saltcreek and Naron fine sandy loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harney-Uly complex, 3 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 27K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pratt loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| New Cambria silty clay loam, rarely flooded | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Attica fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Roxbury silt loam, occasionally flooded | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Farnum and Funmar loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Solvay loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hord silt loam, rarely flooded | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Harney silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bridgeport silt loam, rarely flooded | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Uly silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Platte soils, occasionally flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pratt-Tivoli loamy fine sands, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Waldeck fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lubbock silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kaski loam, rarely flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zenda loam, occasionally flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly 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.
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 80% 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.