Johnson County, Nebraska
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Johnson County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pawnee clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 49K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wymore silty clay, 3 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 42K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wymore silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Malmo clay, 3 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway silt loam, occasionally flooded | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby clay loam, 11 to 17 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Judson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zook silty clay loam, occasionally flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burchard-Steinauer clay loams, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morrill clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway silt loam, channeled, frequently flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wymore silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, rarely flooded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mayberry clay loam, 3 to 11 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morrill clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec-Nodaway silt loams, rarely flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pawnee clay, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby clay loam, 17 to 30 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kipson-Benfield complex, 11 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pawnee clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 1K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 85% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.