Merrick County, Nebraska
The most common soil here is Valentine, on about 7% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Leshara and Oneill come next.
About 32% of the land drains well, and 44% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 12% of it.
USDA rates 88% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 47% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 41% 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 Merrick 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 Somewhat poorly 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 Merrick 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leshara silt loam, occasionally flooded | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Janude sandy loam, very rarely flooded | 15K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lex loam, occasionally flooded | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lockton loam, rarely flooded | 14K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Brocksburg loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Oneill loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fonner sandy loam, rarely flooded | 9K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hord silt loam, sandy substratum, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wann loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Novina sandy loam, rarely flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Valentine-Boelus loamy fine sands, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Platte loam, occasionally flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ipage loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gibbon loam, occasionally flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alda loam, occasionally flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oneill sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lamo-Saltine complex, occasionally flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cozad loam, wet substratum, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gayville-Caruso complex, occasionally flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caruso-Gayville complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly 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 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 88% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.