Dakota County, Nebraska
The most common soil here is Crofton, on about 18% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Nora and Alcester come next.
About 70% of the land drains well, and 19% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 12% of it.
USDA rates 63% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 52% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 25% 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 Dakota 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 B (moderate infiltration). 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 Dakota 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 52% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 63% 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.