Smith 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 Smith County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harney silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 90K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, plains and breaks | 75K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Harney-Mento complex, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nuckolls silt loam, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Uly-Holdrege silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, plains and breaks | 27K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wakeen-Nibson complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 23K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Roxbury silt loam, channeled, frequently flooded | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uly-Tobin silt loams, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakeen silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Roxbury silt loam, rarely flooded | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Harney silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hord silt loam, rarely flooded | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Brownell gravelly loam, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roxbury silt loam, frequently flooded | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nuckolls-Tobin silt loams, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roxbury-Armo complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCook silt loam, rarely flooded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Heizer-Brownell complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 27% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 59% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.