Pierce County, Nebraska
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Pierce County, Nebraska.
| 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 |
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 66% 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.