Wyandotte County, Kansas
The most common soil here is Knox, on about 20% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Ladoga and Sharpsburg come next.
About 43% of the land drains well, and 8% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 5% of it.
USDA rates 77% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 58% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 14% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 16% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Wyandotte County, Kansas, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Wyandotte 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knox silt loam, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ladoga silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gosport-Sogn complex, 7 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eudora-Urban land complex, rarely flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silty clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knox complex, 18 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knox silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armster clay loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Onawa soils, occasionally flooded, overwash | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Shelby loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Basehor complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Onawa silty clay loam, occasionally flooded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, frequently flooded | 2K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, occasionally flooded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orthents | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Armster clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grundy silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vinland-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 1K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haynie silt loam, occasionally flooded | 1K | Well drained | B | Very 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 58% 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 77% 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.