Dawes County, Nebraska
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Dawes County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orella-Badland complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 80K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Samsil silty clay, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 56K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pierre clay, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kyle silty clay, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oglala-Canyon loams, 9 to 25 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosebud-Canyon loams, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Canyon complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canyon loam, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alliance silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tassel soils, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Richfield silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Thirtynine silt loam, 2 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Canyon soils, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keith-Ulysses silt loams, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mitchell silt loam, 9 to 20 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Alliance silt loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Keith silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pierre-Slickspots complex, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tassel-Ponderosa-Rock outcrop association, 9 to 70 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Busher-Tassel loamy very fine sands, 6 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 70% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 79% 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.