Cherokee County, Oklahoma
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Cherokee County, Oklahoma.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarksville very gravelly silt loam, 20 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 97K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enders-Linker-Hector association, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 90K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville very gravelly silt loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 52K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville very gravelly silt loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes, stony | 25K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tonti gravelly silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hector fine sandy loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shidler-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elsah very gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Britwater gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 18K | Subaqueous | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Rock outcrop-Hector complex, 40 to 100 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Britwater gravelly silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Shidler-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Captina silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newtonia silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Okemah silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linker fine sandy loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Britwater silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Jay silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Razort gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 70% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 83% 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.