Box Butte County, Nebraska

Survey Area NE013• 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 Box Butte 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
Alliance loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	58K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Alliance loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Creighton very fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Keith loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Rosebud-Canyon complex, 3 to 9 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Busher-Tassel loamy very fine sands, 6 to 30 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Keith loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Creighton very fine sandy loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Valent loamy fine sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes	19K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Oglala-Canyon complex, 3 to 9 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Alliance-Rosebud loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Duroc loam, occasionally flooded	15K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Valentine fine sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes, dry	15K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Janise loam, drained, 0 to 3 percent slopes	14K	Moderately well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Duroc loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Sarben-Busher loamy very fine sands, 3 to 9 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Sarben-Busher loamy very fine sands, 0 to 3 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Dailey loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	14K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Satanta fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Alliance-Rosebud loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes	13K	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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

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 24% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

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.