Osage County, Oklahoma
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Osage County, Oklahoma.
| 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 |
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.