Washington County, Nebraska

Survey Area NE177• 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 Washington 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
Nora silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded	26K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Judson silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pohocco-Monona complex, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded	18K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Moody silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Marshall-Pohocco silty clay loams, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded	17K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pohocco-Ida complex, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded	13K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Marshall silty clay loam, dry, 0 to 2 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ida silt loam, 17 to 30 percent slopes, eroded	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Alcester silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kennebec silt loam, occasionally flooded	8K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Marshall silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Luton silty clay, rarely flooded	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kezan-Kennebec silt loams, drained, occasionally flooded	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Burchard-Steinauer clay loams, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Monona-Pohocco complex, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Haynie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	5K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Monona silt loam, terrace, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Zook silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	3K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Monona silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ida silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded	3K	Well drained	B	Somewhat 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.

Mollisols

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

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 23% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 64% 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.