Thurston 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 Thurston County, Nebraska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcester silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Moody silty clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nora silt loam, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nora silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ida silt loam, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moody silty clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crofton silt loam, 8 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Moody silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Monona silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| McPaul silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monona silt loam, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Monona silt loam, 11 to 17 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ida soils, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crofton silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Monona silt loam, 17 to 30 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zook silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nora silt loam, 11 to 17 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ida silt loam, 17 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moody silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 25% 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.