Pottawatomie County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is 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 Pottawatomie County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clime-Sogn complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 107K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tully silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 60K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pawnee clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 45K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benfield-Florence complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, occasionally flooded | 33K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wymore silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 33K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pawnee clay loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benfield silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wamego silt loam, 7 to 20 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clime silty clay loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes, stony | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morrill loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kennebec silt loam, frequently flooded | 11K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elmont silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Reading silty clay loam, rarely flooded | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabash silty clay, occasionally flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chase silty clay loam, rarely flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tuttle channery silty clay loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes, stony | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wamego silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tully silty clay, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 66% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, 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
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.