Sedgwick County, Kansas
The most common soil here is Blanket, on about 13% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Nalim and Irwin come next.
About 70% of the land drains well, and 7% stays wet for long stretches.
USDA rates 82% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 34% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 8% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 7% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Sedgwick County, Kansas, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Sedgwick 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blanket silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Blanket silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nalim loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Irwin silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 40K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tabler silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 38K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rosehill silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vanoss silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Saltcreek and Naron fine sandy loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shellabarger sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Elandco silt loam, rarely flooded | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Farnum loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Canadian fine sandy loam, rarely flooded | 17K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Renfrow silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Solvay loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nalim-Shellabarger sandy loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Elandco silt loam, frequently flooded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shellabarger-Nalim complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nalim loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Goessel silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Canadian complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | 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.
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 82% 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.