Perkins County, Nebraska
The most common soil here is Valent, on about 16% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Kuma and Satanta come next.
About 99% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 70% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 8% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 18% of it.
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 Perkins 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 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 Perkins 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valent loamy sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 62K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kuma silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Woodly fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rosebud loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Satanta very fine sandy loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Satanta very fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Woodly loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Valent sand, rolling | 23K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mace silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kuma silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Satanta loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Keith silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rosebud-Canyon loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Keith silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rosebud-Canyon loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Haxtun fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ulysses-Sulco silt loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Valent loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Valent sand, rolling and hilly | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kuma loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat 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
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 70% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.