Phelps County, Nebraska
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Phelps County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holdrege silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 143K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kenesaw silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Coly silt loam, 11 to 30 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valentine loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kenesaw and Coly silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded, plains and breaks | 10K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hord silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, warm | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Coly-Uly-Hobbs silt loams, 3 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scott silt loam, frequently ponded | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenesaw and Coly silt loams, hummocky, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wann loam, rarely flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fillmore silt loam, frequently ponded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege-Coly complex, 7 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Crete silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leshara-Saltine silt loams, occasionally flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anselmo fine sandy loam, hummocky, eroded | 3K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Butler silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Detroit silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
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 77% 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.