Sheridan County, Nebraska
The dominant drainage class is Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Sheridan County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valentine fine sand, rolling and hilly, 9 to 60 percent slopes , dry | 313K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Valentine fine sand, rolling, 9 to 24 percent slopes | 106K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Valentine fine sand, rolling, 9 to 24 percent slopes, dry | 89K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tassel-Ponderosa-Rock outcrop association, 9 to 70 percent slopes | 71K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valentine fine sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 65K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Valentine fine sand, hilly, 24 to 60 percent slopes | 63K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valentine fine sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes, dry | 58K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Oglala-Canyon complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ponderosa-Tassel-Vetal complex, 6 to 30 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keya loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wildhorse-Ipage, calcareous complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oglala-Canyon complex, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tuthill fine sandy loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dunday loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes, dry | 23K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wildhorse-Hoffland complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ipage fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tuthill fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Orpha-Niobrara complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 19K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Satanta fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Beckton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Not limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 23% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 87% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.