Thayer County, Nebraska

Survey Area NE169• Nebraska

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 Thayer 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
Crete silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	56K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hastings silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded	46K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hastings silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Crete silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, loess plains and breaks	28K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hastings soils, eroded	20K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Geary silty clay loam, 7 to 11 percent slopes, severely eroded	19K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Muir silt loam, rarely flooded	17K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Geary silty clay loam, 11 to 30 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hobbs silt loam, occasionally flooded	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Jansen-Meadin complex, 11 to 30 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Geary silty clay loam, 7 to 11 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Jansen-Meadin complex, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Crete silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, loess plains and breaks	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Butler silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Geary silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Muir silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Hastings silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Crete silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Uly-Hobbs silt loams, 0 to 30 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Cass very fine sandy loam, rarely flooded	4K	Well drained	A	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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 54% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 81% 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.