Adams County, Nebraska

Survey Area NE001• Nebraska

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 Adams County, Nebraska. 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
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

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.

Alfisols

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

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.