Wabaunsee County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Wabaunsee County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clime-Sogn complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 140K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Martin silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 74K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Florence-Labette complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 53K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Irwin silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 48K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ivan silt loam, occasionally flooded | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Irwin silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pawnee clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ivan silty clay loam, channeled | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ladysmith silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reading silty clay loam, rarely flooded | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clime silty clay loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes, stony | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Labette silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wamego silty clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wymore silty clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elmont silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chase silty clay loam, rarely flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benfield-Florence complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wamego silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Martin silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tuttle channery silty clay loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes, stony | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 54% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.