Rooks 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 Rooks County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harney silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 76K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Uly silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, plains and breaks | 51K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Heizer-Brownell complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harney-Mento complex, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harney silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wakeen silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wakeen-Nibson complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Uly silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Roxbury silt loam, occasionally flooded | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armo loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Munjor sandy loam, occasionally flooded | 14K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roxbury silt loam, rarely flooded | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Penden loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Uly-Penden complex, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, plains and breaks | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wakeen-Harney silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Anselmo fine sandy loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Campus-Anselmo complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCook silt loam, rarely flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 21% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 73% 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.