Buffalo County, Nebraska
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Buffalo County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coly, Uly and Hobbs soils, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 66K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coly silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 65K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hord silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Uly, Holdrege and Coly soils, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 40K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Coly silt loam, 11 to 30 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uly and Holdrege silt loams, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege-Hall silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, occasionally flooded, cool | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wood River silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hord silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hall silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Uly silt loam, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Valentine loamy fine sand, 3 to 17 percent slopes | 12K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gothenburg soils, frequently flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cozad silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Leshara and Gibbon silt loams | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Platte soils, occasionally flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 31% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 53% 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.