Stevens County, Kansas

Survey Area KS189• Kansas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Stevens 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
Dalhart loamy fine sand, 3 to 5 percent slopes	75K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Eva-Optima complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes	48K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Dalhart loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	44K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Belfon loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Dalhart-Eva complex loamy fine sands, 3 to 8 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Hugoton and Zella soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Zella loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Belfon fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Dalhart fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Bigbow loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Bigbow fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Hugoton silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Forgan loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Dalhart and Vorhees soils, 1 to 3 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Dalhart fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Eva loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Eva loamy fine sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Richfield silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Optima loamy sand, 5 to 20 percent slopes	7K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Atchison loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes	7K	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.

Alfisols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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.