Kearney County, Nebraska
The dominant drainage class is 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 Kearney County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holdrege silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 77K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kenesaw silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Coly-Kenesaw silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Detroit silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valentine loamy fine sand, rolling | 18K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Butler silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, overblown, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Valentine loamy fine sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Simeon sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coly silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Alda loam, rarely flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valentine-Els loamy fine sands, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wann fine sandy loam, rarely flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valentine loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded, plains and breaks | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Coly-Uly silt loams, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Libory loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hord silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, warm | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kenesaw silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 73% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.