Hayes County, Nebraska
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Hayes 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulco silt loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 84K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sulco-Ulysses silt loams, 9 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 80K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blackwood silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sarben loamy very fine sand, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| McCash very fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blackwood silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sarben loamy very fine sand, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Jayem loamy very fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Keith silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| McCash very fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Valent sand, rolling | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valent fine sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Jayem loamy very fine sand, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Valent fine sand, rolling | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bridget silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| McCook silt loam, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sarben loamy very fine sand, 9 to 20 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keith silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sarben loamy very fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Bridget silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 2K | 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 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 52% 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.