Clay 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 Clay County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hastings silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 80K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crete silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 71K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hastings silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Butler silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 26K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hastings silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crete silt loam, thick solum, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holder silty clay loam, 7 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fillmore silt loam, frequently ponded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crete silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, channeled, frequently flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uly-Hobbs silt loams, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hord silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, warm | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holder silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fillmore silt loam, drained, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scott silt loam, frequently ponded | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hastings silty clay loam, 7 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hord silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Geary-Hobbs silt loams, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Massie silty clay loam, frequently ponded | 3K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 46% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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
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.