Republic County, Kansas

Survey Area KS157• 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 Republic 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
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

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

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.

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.