Furnas 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 Furnas County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holdrege silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, plains and breaks | 122K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coly-Uly silt loams, 11 to 30 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coly-Nuckolls silt loams, 11 to 30 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coly-Uly silt loams, 3 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 40K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Uly silt loam, 3 to 11 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded, plains and breaks | 20K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hord silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, warm | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hobbs-McCook silt loams, occasionally flooded | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coly silt loam, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cozad silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hall silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, channeled, frequently flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gibbon silt loam, occasionally flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Inavale soils, occasionally flooded | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCook silt loam, rarely flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hord silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, plains and breaks | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coly-Nuckolls silt loams, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Coly silt loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege-Uly silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 35% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 65% 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.