Sarpy County, Nebraska
The most common soil here is Contrary, on about 24% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Marshall and Judson come next.
About 62% of the land drains well, and 14% stays wet for long stretches.
USDA rates 79% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 24% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 20% 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 Sarpy 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 Sarpy 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contrary-Marshall silty clay loams, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Marshall-Contrary silty clay loams, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Contrary-Monona-Ida complex, 6 to 17 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Judson silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udorthents-Pohocco complex, 0 to 16 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited | ||
| Smithland-Kenridge silty clay loams, occasionally flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Contrary-Monona silty clay loams, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, occasionally flooded | 5K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udarents complex, 0 to 16 percent slopes | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Udorthents-Marshall complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Judson-Nodaway channeled-Contrary complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gibbon-Wann complex, occasionally flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udarents-Urban land complex, 1 to 14 percent slopes | 2K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Gibbon loamy sand, overwash, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udorthents complex, drainageway, 0 to 8 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Monona-Pohocco-Ida silt loams, 17 to 33 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alda-Platte complex, occasionally flooded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pohocco-Ida-Monona complex, 6 to 17 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Onawa silty clay, occasionally flooded | 1K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very 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 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 79% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.