Dakota 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 Dakota County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crofton silt loam, 8 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Alcester silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crofton silt loam, 17 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nora silt loam, 11 to 17 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Haynie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moody silty clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Albaton silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blyburg silt loam, rarely flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Onawa silty clay, occasionally flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Napier silt loam, 11 to 17 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nora silt loam, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Aowa silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Forney silty clay, rarely flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Omadi silt loam, rarely flooded | 4K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Crofton silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Grable very fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blencoe silty clay, rarely flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blyburg silty clay loam, rarely flooded | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, overwash | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nora silt loam, 17 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 49% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 57% 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.