Sumner County, Kansas

Survey Area KS191• 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 Sumner 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
Bethany silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	110K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bethany silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	82K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kirkland silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	56K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Milan loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	51K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Elandco silty clay loam, rarely flooded	36K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Nalim loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Tabler silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	32K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dale and Reinach silt loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	31K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Renfrow-Grainola complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Farnum loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Nalim loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Shellabarger sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Kirkland silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, cool	17K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Brewer silty clay loam, rarely flooded	15K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rosehill clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Farnum loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Solvay loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Vanoss silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Elandco silt loam, frequently flooded	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Milan loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very 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.

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

About 55% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 85% 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.