Saline County, Nebraska
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Saline County, Nebraska.
| 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 |
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.