Franklin 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 Franklin County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuckolls-Hobbs complex, 11 to 30 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coly-Uly silt loams, 11 to 30 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege and Uly soils, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 23K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Coly-Uly silt loams, 3 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, plains and breaks | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hall silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, frequently flooded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Campus-Canyon complex, 11 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenesaw silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nuckolls and Holdrege silt loams, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nuckolls and Meadin soils, 11 to 30 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uly silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nuckolls and Holdrege soils, 3 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fluvaquents, sandy, frequently flooded | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Detroit silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uly silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kipson complex, 7 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 43% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
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.