McPherson County, Nebraska

Survey Area NE117• Nebraska

The dominant drainage class is Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 McPherson 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	315K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Valentine fine sand, rolling, 9 to 24 percent slopes	131K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Valentine loamy fine sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes	25K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Valentine-Els complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes	15K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Valentine-Tryon, complex, 0 to 24 percent slopes	10K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Valentine-Mullen complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes	8K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Valentine-Ringgold complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes	5K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Valentine fine sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes	5K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Ipage-Els complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Valentine-Birdwood complex, 9 to 80 percent slopes	3K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Mullen loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Nenzel loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Dunday loamy fine sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Ipage loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Dunday loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Els, calcareous-Hoffland complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	2K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Valentine severely eroded-Valentine complex, 0 to 60 percent slopes	2K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Valentine loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	2K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Marlake mucky peat	1K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Crowther loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	1K	Poorly drained	B/D	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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

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 99% 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.