Osage County, Oklahoma
The most common soil here is Bigheart, on about 10% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Niotaze and Steedman come next.
About 49% of the land drains well, and 23% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 59% of it.
USDA rates 92% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 88% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 62% of it.
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 Osage County, Oklahoma, 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 D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Osage County, Oklahoma. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigheart-Niotaze-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 179K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Niotaze-Bigheart-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 150K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steedman-Lucien complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 117K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westsum-Shidler-Apperson complex, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 98K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lucien-Coyle complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 75K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Niotaze-Bigheart-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 73K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Verdigris silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 59K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bartlesville-Bigheart complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes, very rocky | 44K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Agra-Pharoah complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 44K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 41K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Foraker-Shidler complex, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 33K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steedman-Lucien complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 32K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shidler silty clay loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Verdigris silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 31K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grainola-Shidler complex, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Agra-Ashport, frequently flooded complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Apperson-Doolin complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Braman silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bethany-Pawhuska complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wolco-Dwight complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | D | 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
About 88% 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 92% 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.