Thomas County, Kansas

Survey Area KS193• 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 Thomas 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	247K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Keith silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, south	147K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Buffalo Park silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	69K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ulysses silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	65K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Kuma silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	48K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Colby silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes	39K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Goshen silt loam, rarely flooded	17K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ulysses silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded	17K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Richfield silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Roxbury silt loam, occasionally flooded	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ulysses silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Ness silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded	3K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ulysses silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Hord silt loam, nonflooded	3K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Schamber gravelly sandy loam, 5 to 25 percent slopes	1K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Bridgeport silt loam, rarely flooded	1K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Gravel pits and quarries	339			Not rated	Not rated
Bridgeport silt loam, occasionally flooded	267	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Water	21			Not rated	Not rated
Hord silt loam, rarely flooded	15	Well drained	B	Very 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.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

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.