Loup County, Nebraska
The dominant drainage class is Excessively 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 Loup County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valentine fine sand, rolling and hilly, 9 to 60 percent slopes , moist | 150K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Valentine fine sand, rolling, 9 to 24 percent slopes, moist | 89K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Valentine fine sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes, moist | 19K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ipage fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Els-Ipage fine sands, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ipage fine sand, terrace, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Valentine-Els complex, moist, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Valentine loamy fine sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes, moist | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tryon-Ipage complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hersh-Gates complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coly-Hobbs silt loams, 3 to 60 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hersh fine sandy loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ipage loamy fine sand, terrace, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hersh-Valentine complex, 11 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gates silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hersh-Gates complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hord silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hersh fine sandy loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Els-Tryon complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | 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 96% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.