Sherman County, Nebraska
The most common soil here is Uly, on about 40% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Coly and Hobbs come next.
About 90% of the land drains well, and 6% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 3% of it.
USDA rates 51% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 38% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 7% 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 Sherman 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 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 Sherman 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uly-Coly silt loams, 17 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 88K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coly-Uly silt loams, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 61K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Uly-Coly silt loams, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 60K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Uly silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holdrege silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, occasionally flooded, cool | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hord silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hord silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Uly silt loam, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hobbs silt loam, channeled, frequently flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coly-Hobbs silt loams, 3 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ipage loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gibbon silt loam, rarely flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holdrege silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Loup fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valentine loamy fine sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cozad silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cozad silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat 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 38% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 51% 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.