Osage County, Oklahoma

Survey Area OK113• Oklahoma

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.

Mollisols

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

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 94% 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 94% 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.