Madison 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 Madison County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nora-Crofton complex, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 75K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Moody silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Alcester silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Thurman loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nora silty clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, cool | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belfore silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Thurman loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Crofton-Nora complex, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Elsmere loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gibbon silty clay loam, occasionally flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boelus loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Thurman loamy fine sand, terrace, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Muir silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nora-Crofton complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Loretto loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shell silt loam, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ord loam, occasionally flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shell silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 21% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 68% 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.