Jefferson County, Nebraska
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Jefferson County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crete silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 44K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crete silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 37K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crete silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 36K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hastings silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Geary silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mayberry silty clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lancaster and Edalgo soils, 11 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Muir silt loam, rarely flooded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Crete silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded, loess plains and breaks | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crete silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, loess plains and breaks | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway silt loam, occasionally flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crete silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, loess plains and breaks | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, occasionally flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, channeled, occasionally flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morrill clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hastings silty clay loam, 3 to 11 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway silt loam, channeled, occasionally flooded | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kipson silt loam, 7 to 30 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morrill clay loam, 11 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Malmo clay, 3 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 59% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 90% 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.