Wichita County, Kansas

Survey Area KS203• 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 Wichita 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
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

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.

Alfisols

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

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

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.