Cuming County, Nebraska
The most common soil here is Moody, on about 29% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Nora and Alcester come next.
About 82% of the land drains well, and 15% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 6% of it.
USDA rates 78% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 19% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 18% 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 Cuming 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 Cuming 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moody silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 65K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nora silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 56K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Alcester silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Belfore silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Moody silty clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Moody silty clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zook silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 13K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coleridge silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nora silt loam, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nora silty clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Calco silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thurman-Valentine loamy fine sands, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Moody silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Leisy fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Leshara silt loam, occasionally flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wann loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, overwash | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nora silty clay loam, 11 to 17 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crofton silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 78% 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.