Seward County, Nebraska
The most common soil here is Hastings, on about 43% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Hobbs and Muir come next.
About 81% of the land drains well, and 12% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 16% of it.
USDA rates 90% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 44% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% 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 Seward 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 Seward 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 | 51K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hastings silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hastings silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 36K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fillmore silt loam, frequently ponded | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, frequently flooded | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hastings silty clay loam, 7 to 11 percent slopes, severely eroded | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hastings silty clay loam, 7 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Butler silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muir silt loam, rarely flooded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Muir silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, occasionally flooded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Butler silt loam, terrace, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hastings silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hastings silty clay loam, 11 to 17 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pawnee clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coly-Hobbs silt loams, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pawnee clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burchard clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Steinauer clay loam, 11 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aksarben silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | 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 44% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
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
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.