Thayer 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 Thayer County, Nebraska.
| 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 |
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.