Adams County, Nebraska
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 Adams County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hastings silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 92K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Holder silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kenesaw silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hord silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, warm | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kenesaw silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Crete silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holder silty clay loam, 7 to 11 percent slopes, severely eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holder silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Holder silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Holder silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, severely eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Valentine loamy fine sand, rolling | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Coly silt loam, 11 to 30 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hastings silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kenesaw silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Geary silt loam, 11 to 30 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, occasionally flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Holder silt loam, 7 to 11 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hall silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Holder loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, overblown | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very 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 75% 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.