Polk 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 Polk County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hastings silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 113K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hastings silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Muir silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fillmore silt loam, frequently ponded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coly silt loam, 11 to 30 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coly soils, 6 to 11 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Uly silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cass fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muir silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Platte fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamo silty clay loam, sandy substratum | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hastings silty clay loam, 7 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Leshara silt loam, drained, rarely flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hastings soils, 7 to 11 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Thurman loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Alda fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Platte-Alda complex, occasionally flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Darr fine sandy loam, rarely flooded | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hastings silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 24% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 87% 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.