Republic 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 Republic County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crete silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, loess plains and breaks | 92K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crete silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded, loess plains and breaks | 52K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hastings-Hobbs complex, 0 to 25 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hastings silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 42K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Geary-Hobbs silt loams, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kipson soils, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 26K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hastings silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Muir silt loam, very rarely flooded | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Crete silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, loess plains and breaks | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Geary silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, severely eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Huscher silt loam, occasionally flooded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hastings silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tully silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, channeled, frequently flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lancaster-Hedville complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crete silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wells loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sherdahl silt loam, very rarely flooded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crete silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Butler silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 54% 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 92% 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.