Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska
The most common soil here is Mitchell, on about 23% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Tripp and Bridget come next.
About 84% of the land drains well, and 14% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 4% of it.
USDA rates 45% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 28% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 10% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 11% of it.
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 Scotts Bluff 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 B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Scotts Bluff 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mitchell silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tripp very fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mitchell silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Otero-Bayard fine sandy loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Bridget very fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tassel soils, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alice fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Mitchell silt loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Yockey loam, occasionally flooded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dailey and Valent loamy fine sands, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| McCook loam, rarely flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Janise soils, rarely flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dailey and Valent loamy fine sands, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Valent-Dwyer fine sands, rolling | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barney loam, frequently flooded | 7K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valent-Dwyer loamy fine sands, rolling | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Tassel-Busher complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gothenburg soils, frequently flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | A/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 28% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 45% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.