Keya Paha 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 Keya Paha County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valentine fine sand, 9 to 25 percent slopes | 64K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Longpine-Ronson-Duda complex, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Simeon-Holt variant-Ronson complex, 6 to 17 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ipage loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Valentine loamy fine sand, gently rolling | 21K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Valentine-Longpine complex, rolling | 20K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ronson-Longpine fine sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Labu-Sansarc silty clays, 9 to 35 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Longpine-Duda complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jansen-Meadin loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Els fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loup fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meadin gravelly sandy loam, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ord-Loup fine sandy loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elsmere loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holt variant loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dunday loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ronson-Anselmo fine sandy loams, 6 to 30 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oneill-Meadin fine sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sansarc silty clay, 9 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 38% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
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.