Polk County, Nebraska
The most common soil here is Hastings, on about 46% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Coly and Muir come next.
About 86% of the land drains well, and 14% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 6% of it.
USDA rates 84% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 29% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 12% 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 Polk 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 Polk 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 |
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 29% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 84% 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.