Payne County, Oklahoma
The most common soil here is Grainola, on about 9% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Pulaski and Renfrow come next.
About 87% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 6% of it.
USDA rates 83% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 42% 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, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 41% 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 Payne 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 Payne 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephenville-Darnell complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 32K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pulaski fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 25K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grainola-Lucien complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Renfrow loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Foraker-Shidler-Lucien complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes, very rocky | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grainola-Ashport frequently flooded-Mulhall complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not rated | Very limited |
| Grainola-Shidler-Lucien complex, 1 to 20 percent slopes, very rocky | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 12K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Zaneis-Huska complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Grainola-Lucien complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Konawa and Teller soils, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Easpur loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Renfrow and Grainola soils, 3 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Masham silty clay loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Darnell-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 45 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coyle loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Norge loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Coyle and Zaneis soils, 3 to 5 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mulhall loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes, gullied | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Grainola clay loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Somewhat 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 42% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
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.