Pierce County, Nebraska
The most common soil here is Thurman, on about 18% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Nora and Crofton come next.
About 84% of the land drains well, and 16% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 11% of it.
USDA rates 68% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 28% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 11% 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 Pierce 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 A (high infiltration, low 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 Pierce 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thurman loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 39K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Thurman-Valentine complex, undulating | 28K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Crofton-Nora complex, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 25K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Moody silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hord-Hobbs silt loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Muir silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nora silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nora silty clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elsmere loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bazile loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ortello fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Boelus-Loretto complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Thurman loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bazile silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Boelus-Loretto complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Valentine fine sand, rolling, moist | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ortello fine sandy loam, terrace, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coleridge silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crofton-Nora complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Trent silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat 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 28% 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
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.