Wichita County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Wichita County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richfield silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 248K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ulysses silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 72K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ulysses silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Buffalo Park silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Goshen silt loam, rarely flooded | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colby silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Campus-Canlon complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buffalo Park-Ulysses silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Keith silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bridgeport loam, rarely flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Humbarger loam, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Richfield silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ness silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded | 3K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penden clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Glenberg fine sandy loam, rarely flooded | 1K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Penden clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 987 | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Manter fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 899 | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Bridgeport silt loam, channeled | 892 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lincoln fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded | 827 | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manter fine sandy loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 796 | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
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 78% 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.