Nance County, Nebraska
The most common soil here is Coly, on about 11% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Uly and Hall come next.
About 85% of the land drains well, and 12% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 6% of it.
USDA rates 68% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 37% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 20% 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 Nance 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 B (moderate infiltration). 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 Nance 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coly silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 28K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Uly-Coly silt loams, 17 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hall silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crofton silt loam, 17 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nora silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, severely eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Uly-Coly silt loams, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Belfore silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nora silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, cool | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moody silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ortello fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gothenburg loamy sand, frequently flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, cool | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hall silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Inavale loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cass fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nora-Crofton complex, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gayville-Caruso complex, occasionally flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 37% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.