Keith County, Nebraska
The most common soil here is Valentine, on about 33% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Satanta and Kuma come next.
About 86% of the land drains well, and 7% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 3% of it.
USDA rates 69% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 20% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 2% of it.
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 Keith 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 A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Keith 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 69% 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.