Merrick County, Nebraska
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly 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 Merrick County, Nebraska.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 44% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 92% 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.