Howard County, Nebraska
The most common soil here is Holdrege, on about 16% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Uly and Coly come next.
About 90% of the land drains well, and 7% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 15% of it.
USDA rates 80% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 31% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Howard County, Nebraska, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Howard 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uly-Coly silt loams, 17 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 51K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valentine-Libory complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 31K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coly silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, cool | 16K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silty clay loam, 7 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege variant silty clay loam, 7 to 11 percent slopes, severely eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hord silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Valentine and Thurman soils, 0 to 17 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Libory-Boelus loamy fine sands | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hord silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Coly silt loam, 11 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coly silt loam, 11 to 30 percent slopes, moist | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thurman loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Almeria soils, occasionally flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valentine fine sand, rolling | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harney silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Uly silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat 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 31% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 80% 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.