Madison County, Nebraska
The most common soil here is Nora, on about 18% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Crofton and Moody come next.
About 86% of the land drains well, and 13% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 6% of it.
USDA rates 65% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 27% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 19% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Madison 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 C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Madison 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Somewhat 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 | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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 |
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
About 27% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 65% 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.