Harlan 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 Harlan County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holdrege silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded | 94K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Uly and Coly silt loams, 11 to 30 percent slopes | 72K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Coly and Nuckolls silt loams, 11 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, plains and breaks | 23K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hord and Hall silt loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Coly-Uly silt loams, 11 to 30 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coly and Uly silt loams, 3 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, frequently flooded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nuckolls and Uly silt loams, 11 to 17 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, plains and breaks | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hobbs and McCook silt loams, occasionally flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege and Uly soils, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hord and Hall silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| McCook loam, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uly silt loam, 3 to 11 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Munjor fine sandy loam, rarely flooded | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Munjor loamy fine sand, rarely flooded | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 39% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.