Clay County, Nebraska
The most common soil here is Hastings, on about 39% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Crete and Butler come next.
About 61% of the land drains well, and 13% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 13% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 45% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Clay County, Nebraska, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 45% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 96% 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.