Seward County, Nebraska
The dominant drainage class is 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 Seward County, Nebraska.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 41% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 92% 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.