Clay County, Nebraska

Survey Area NE035• 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 Clay 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	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

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.

Alfisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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.