Sioux County, Nebraska
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Sioux County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Busher-Tassel loamy very fine sands, 6 to 30 percent slopes | 128K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tassel-Ponderosa-Rock outcrop association, 9 to 70 percent slopes | 83K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tassel-Ashollow-Rock outcrop complex, 9 to 60 percent slopes | 72K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valent loamy fine sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 70K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Oglala-Canyon complex, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Valent fine sand, 9 to 20 percent slopes | 48K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tassel-Busher-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 30 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jayem loamy very fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Pierre-Samsil, moderately deep silty clays, 6 to 25 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valent fine sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 34K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ashollow loamy very fine sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Pierre clay, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valent complex, rolling and hilly | 32K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Busher-Tassel complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Oglala-Canyon very fine sandy loams, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Busher loamy very fine sand, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ponderosa-Tassel-Vetal complex, 6 to 30 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bufton clay loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sarben loamy very fine sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Valent loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 23K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 42% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 62% 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.