Rawlins County, Kansas

Survey Area KS153• 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 Rawlins 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
Colby silt loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes	158K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Keith silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, south	134K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Keith silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	118K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Kuma silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	88K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Ulysses silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	65K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Colby silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Campus-Canlon complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bridgeport silt loam, occasionally flooded	15K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Bridgeport silt loam, rarely flooded	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Buffalo Park silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Bridgeport silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Keith silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Colby silt loam, 20 to 50 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Caruso silt loam, occasionally flooded	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sulco complex, 9 to 60 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Colby silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	613	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ness silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded	407	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Roxbury silt loam, occasionally flooded	131	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Water	58			Not rated	Not rated
Miscellaneous water	9			Not rated	Not rated

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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 43% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

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.