Holt County, Nebraska
The dominant drainage class is Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Holt 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Els-Ipage complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 134K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valentine-Els complex, moist, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 106K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Valentine fine sand, rolling, 9 to 24 percent slopes, moist | 104K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elsmere-Ipage loamy fine sands, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 56K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jansen loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pivot loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 49K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Loup fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 47K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elsmere loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 44K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valentine fine sand, rolling and hilly, 9 to 60 percent slopes , moist | 39K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ipage loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 37K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Els loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 35K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dunday loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 34K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Valentine fine sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 34K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Valentine-Dunday loamy fine sands, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 32K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Elsmere fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valentine fine sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes, moist | 28K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Oneill-Meadin fine sandy loams, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Oneill fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Oneill-Meadin fine sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Valentine fine sand, 9 to 25 percent slopes | 24K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very 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 36% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.