Washington 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 Washington County, Nebraska.
| 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 |
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.