Sherman County, Kansas

Survey Area KS181• 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 Sherman 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
Keith silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	176K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ulysses silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	128K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Keith-Ulysses silt loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes	68K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Colby silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes	60K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Buffalo Park silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	58K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Keith silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, south	32K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Buffalo Park-Ulysses silt loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Goshen silt loam, rarely flooded	29K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Keith silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Kuma silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Buffalo Park-Ulysses silt loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Kuma-Keith silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Bridgeport silt loam, channeled	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Richfield silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ness silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded	4K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bridgeport silt loam, rarely flooded	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Kim-Otero complex, 6 to 25 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Bridgeport silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Caruso loam, occasionally flooded	2K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Colby silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat 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.

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

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

Most soils are reasonably suitable for conventional septic systems, though site-specific conditions always matter. Get a perc test to confirm.

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.