Boone 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 Boone County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nora silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 116K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crofton-Nora complex, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, cool | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crofton-Nora complex, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Valentine fine sand, rolling and hilly, 9 to 60 percent slopes , moist | 19K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crofton-Nora complex, 17 to 30 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moody silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Alcester silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hord silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Moody silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nora silty clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crofton silt loam, 17 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hall silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Uly-Coly silt loams, 17 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shell silt loam, rarely flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Belfore silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Thurman loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Valentine fine sand, rolling, 9 to 24 percent slopes, moist | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Valentine loamy fine sand, undulating | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hall silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat 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 81% 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.