Saline County, Nebraska

Survey Area NE151• Nebraska

The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Saline 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
Crete silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	57K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Crete silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded	49K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Crete silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	48K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hastings silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded	22K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hastings silty clay loam, 7 to 11 percent slopes, eroded	20K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Muir silt loam, rarely flooded	19K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Hobbs silt loam, channeled, frequently flooded	15K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Deroin silty clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded	12K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hobbs silt loam, occasionally flooded	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Butler silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hastings silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Longford silty clay loam, 7 to 11 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Muir silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Longford silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hastings silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Geary silty clay loam, 11 to 30 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Crete silt loam, terrace, 0 to 1 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hobbs silt loam, frequently flooded	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hastings silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Muir silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat 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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 57% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 90% 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.