Seward County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Seward County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richfield silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 67K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Eva-Optima-Dalhart complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 37K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Eva-Optima complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 34K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Manter-Dalhart complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Spearville silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dalhart fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Otero-Schamber complex, warm, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dalhart fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dalhart loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Likes loamy sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Atchison loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Otero-Mansic complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Ulysses silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Colby loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Richfield loam, thick surface, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Satanta fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Richfield and Ulysses complexes, bench leveled | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Canlon soils, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Optima fine sand, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atchison clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 37% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.