Keith County, Nebraska
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Keith County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valentine fine sand, rolling and hilly, 9 to 60 percent slopes | 109K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Valentine fine sand, rolling, 9 to 24 percent slopes | 98K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Valentine fine sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 43K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kuma loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 34K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Satanta loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sulco-McConaughy loams, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sulco loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bayard very fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Satanta loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Duroc silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kuma loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sarben loamy fine sand, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Vetal loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Keith loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ipage fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sarben loamy fine sand, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Duroc loam, terrace, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tassel-Otero-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dix-Sulco-Sarben complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very 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 71% 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.