Otoe County, Nebraska
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Otoe County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wymore silty clay, 3 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 62K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wymore silty clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 52K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pawnee clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 48K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yutan silty clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 32K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway-Colo complex, occasionally flooded | 32K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Judson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Morrill-Malmo, eroded, complex, 3 to 11 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zook silty clay loam, occasionally flooded | 15K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aksarben silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wymore silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby and Burchard clay loams, 11 to 17 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway silt loam, occasionally flooded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pohocco silty clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wymore silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marshall silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Monona-Shelby-Kipson complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mayberry clay loam, 3 to 11 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby clay loam, 17 to 30 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haynie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 73% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 96% 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.