Wayne County, Nebraska
The most common soil here is Moody, on about 30% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Nora and Alcester come next.
About 90% of the land drains well, and 7% stays wet for long stretches.
USDA rates 65% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 16% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 13% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Wayne County, Nebraska, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Wayne 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 | 51K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Moody silty clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Moody silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Alcester silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nora-Moody silty clay loams, 6 to 11 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| McPaul silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nora silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nora silt loam, 11 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Crofton silt loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Belfore silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamo silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nora-Moody silty clay loams, 11 to 17 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| McPaul silt loam, wet, occasionally flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belfore-Moody silty clay loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Moody silty clay loam, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Coleridge and Lamo silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crofton silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lamo silt loam, overwash, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Poorly drained | C | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 65% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.