Stanton County, Kansas

Survey Area KS187• 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 Stanton 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
Richfield silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	195K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ulysses silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	89K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Ulysses silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	49K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Satanta fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Manter fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Satanta fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Colby silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Bridgeport clay loam, rarely flooded	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Wagonbed silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Manter fine sandy loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Lincoln soils, occasionally flooded	4K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Bridgeport silty clay loam, rarely flooded	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Goshen silt loam, rarely flooded	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Buffalo Park-Ulysses silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Colby silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Vona loamy fine sand, 5 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Buffalo Park silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Manter fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Valent loamy fine sand, 5 to 20 percent slopes	2K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat 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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

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 68% 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.