Dundy County, Nebraska
The most common soil here is Valent, on about 44% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Sulco and Blackwood come next.
About 96% of the land drains well, and 2% stays wet for long stretches.
USDA rates 77% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 41% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% 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 Dundy 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 Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Dundy 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valent sand, rolling | 134K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valent sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 130K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Blackwood loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sulco loam, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sulco complex, 9 to 60 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jayem loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Valent sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sarben loamy sand, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Overlake sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Valent sand, rolling and hilly | 13K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blackwood loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sulco loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bolent-Almeria complex, channeled, frequently flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sarben loamy sand, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sarben loamy sand, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Ulysses loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ulysses loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Benkelman very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dailey loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Satanta fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not 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
About 41% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 77% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.