Dawes County, Nebraska

Survey Area NE045• Nebraska

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Dawes 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
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

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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

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.