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Waste Disposal, Kansas Soils

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Designs of Septic-tank Seepage Fields in Soils

Many excellent engineering designs have been developed for septic-tank seepage fields in different soils and in problem situations. Most of these designs have been tested through many years of engineering experience. The Manual of Septic-Tank Practice (Public Health Service, 1969) outlines standard proven practices which are used, with modifications, throughout most of the USA. Excellent texts (Salvato, 1972; Goldstein and Moberg, 1973) are also available to assist in solution of septic-tank problems and other related problems of environmental sanitation as well. In addition, experiences in other states with the same soils and similar soils can benefit Kansas residents in helping solve disposal problems (Colorado Department of Health, 1970; Texas State Department of Health, 1971).

In Kansas, different regulations exist in different counties, cities, and sanitation districts governing waste disposal. Thus, laws and zoning ordinances are complex and not standardized, although guidelines for waste disposal are developed for the State of Kansas by the Kansas State Department of Health in Topeka. Different lot size regulations and other criteria also have considerable effect upon the pattern of land use in Kansas.

In this discussion, only proven designs will be outlined in a general manner in line with the recommendations of the Kansas State Department of Health. Detailed specifications, of course, are to be obtained from the Department of Health in each county and from professional engineers. Soil maps and descriptions can be used to give information about soil capabilities for waste disposal, soil problems to be encountered, and probable designs that should be employed for adequate disposal in the different soils.

In general, soils with slight limitations for septic-tank seepage fields in Kansas (Table 6) are acceptable for standard tile lines with lengths and areas outlined by standard manuals (Public Health Service, 1969; Kansas State Department of Health, 1971). Figure 21 pictorially shows one arrangement of the tile lines; many variations are possible. For soils with slower percolation rates, the area occupied by tile lines in gravel can be expanded; for sloping soils, tile lines can be run (on specified grade) along the contours of the soil surface (Figure 22). Each soil site, of course, is somewhat unique and should be examined and approved by officials of each local public health department. The soil map should, in each case, serve as a guide to outline the problems and potentials of each soil. The septic-tank seepage field outlined in Figure 21 is generally the simplest and cheapest on-site disposal technique for the best soils of Kansas with only slight limitations (Table 6).

Figure 21--One tile arrangement for a septic-tank seepage field in soils with slight limitations (Table 6; Adapted from Bender, 1971, page 3).

Tiles arranged in three rows extending out from tank.

Figure 22--Adaptation of tile arrangement along the contour (with specified grade) for soils with moderate limitations (Table 6; Adapted from Bender, 1971, page 8).

Tiles arranged in one long row extending fromm tank and snaking back and forth along hill slope.

The moderate limitations for septic-tank seepage fields in soils of Kansas are due to retarded permeability, seasonal or permanent high water table, flooding, slope, bedrock, stoniness, or rockiness. Modifications in the design outlined in Figure 21 can overcome some of the lesser moderate limitations by:

  1. Increasing area of tile lines in seepage field in soils with slower permeability.
  2. Raising tile lines above water table with permeable fill material.
  3. Raising tile lines above flood levels with permeable fill material.
  4. Laying tile lines (on grade) along the contour on sloping soils (Figure 22).
  5. Providing sufficient thickness above bedrock with tile lines in permeable fill.
  6. Removing stones from soils with coarse fragments.
  7. Moving tile lines out of rocky soils.

All of the seven possible tile line seepage field modifications are expensive, of course, and all involve hazards of pollution if adequate control is not maintained over the quality of the installations. For example, if a grade of about 1/16-inch drop per foot of tile line is not properly maintained, effluent will not run adequately through the tile lines for proper filtration. Tile lines in fill (Figure 23) will have problems due to settling if adequate compacting is not done before installation. Any design modification to overcome moderate limitations of soils is expensive, but it is necessary in order to accomplish adequate effluent filtration at the particular site.

Figure 23--Placement of tile lines in specified permeable fill to overcome moderate soil limitations due to shallowness to bedrock, apparent water table, impermeable soil horizons, or flood levels (Table 6; Adapted from Salvato, 1972, page 305).

Tiles arranged 6 feet apart; each drainage ditch 24 inches across; 24 inches between hard pan, rock or ground-water level and bottom of ditches.

Soils of Kansas with severe limitations (Table 6) have serious hazards so that construction may not be feasible at many of these sites. Some people living in places with limited space on deep, permeable well-drained soils might be able to dispose of effluent in a deep seepage pit (see local health department for design and approval). Some sites with almost impermeable soils can have sand filters (Figure 24); these are extremely expensive to construct properly. Sand filters must have extensive site preparation, water diversion, specified sand of large quantity, and discharge to an approved drainageway outside of an inhabited area. People living in places with wet impermeable soils with no other alternative for waste disposal might resort to a sewage lagoon or waste -stabilization pond (Kansas State Department of Health, 1971), but these require extensive grading (dike seven feet above bottom), expensive fencing, drainage diversion, and are subject to considerable odor and aesthetic problems if they fail. Soils on very steep slopes, soils in swamps, soils often flooded, soils shallow to hard and fissured bedrock, very stony and very rocky soils, and soils with some other serious severe limitations are probably not feasible for septic-tank seepage fields. Soils of Kansas with severe limitations are listed in Table 6; detailed soil maps locate the soil areas with severe limitations.

Figure 24--Sand filter acceptable for some effluent filtration in impermeable soils with severe limitations (Table 6; Adapted from Salvato, 1972, page 310).

Large ditch within clay soil filled with sand between two layers of drainage pipe.

Research has shown that seepage-field design can be improved. Resting periods are beneficial; alternate dosing of two smaller seepage fields will enable better filtration than continual soaking of one larger field of the same size. Distribution boxes are probably not necessary in most tile junctions from the septic tank. Absorption beds (Texas State Department of Health, 1971) and aboveground disposal systems (Colorado Department of Health, 1970) will function where the soil is nearly impermeable. New materials, like lightweight septic tanks and improved tile, offer possibilities for reducing equipment costs. Generally, however, there is no substitute for good engineering expertise in seepage field design, installation, and maintenance. It is a simple fact of life that adequate subsurface sewage disposal and maintenance will be more expensive in soils with moderate and severe limitations than in those soils with slight limitations. If adequate designs for seepage fields are not used in different soils, soil maps can be used to predict percentages of failures of waste disposal in the various areas (Huddleston and Olson, 1967).

How to Use Soil Information for Waste Disposal

If you are contemplating using soils for waste disposal (Figure 25), you should first obtain a detailed soil map of the area in which you are interested. If you are a county or regional planner, you may be interested in the soils of an entire county or larger area; if you are a homeowner, you may be interested only in a specific lot and in the surrounding area that affects the drainage and aesthetic qualities of your lot. Published soil maps are available from a variety of sources; unpublished soil maps are available in the district offices of the Soil Conservation Service in nearly every county in Kansas, and in some offices of cooperating agencies. Some places, of course, have not been soil-mapped.

Figure 25--Drainage from a farm feedlot. Soil maps and soil information can be useful in helping solve many kinds of waste disposal problems. Table 2 and Table 6, for example, show limitations of soils for septic-tank seepage fields for homes. Feedlot runoff can also be a problem, especially where farms are near reservoirs and close to urban areas. Below feedlots, sewage lagoons can be particularly valuable to reduce pollution (Table 3). Where feedlot effluent is irrigated by sprinklers from lagoons, soil-permeability data from Table 1, Table 2, and Table 6 can be useful in locating areas on soil maps where soils can absorb quantities of liquid wastes without undue hazards.

Photo of water-filled ditch and pasture down hill from feeding area at farm.

After you have your soil map, you should identify the soil names in the legend that accompanies the map. These names are usually place names where the soils were identified and described. Legends and map numbering systems vary, but the soil names are standardized throughout Kansas and the USA. The soil-profile descriptions, available from the SCS offices and other sources, give the most detailed information about the soils located on the map. Table 1 in this publication lists some of the important characteristics of soils of Kansas for waste disposal.

You should test the soil map by digging some holes yourself. If you find drainage mottles (color spots), apparent water tables, bedrock at shallow depth, or see steep slopes or flood debris in places, you will know these soils are not ideal for waste disposal. If you dig up loose sand or tight clay, you will know problems of pollution hazards or slow permeability will have to be overcome for adequate disposal.

When you have looked at the soil map and soil conditions, you should then consult your local health department. Local health officials also have soil maps, and are familiar with waste-disposal problems, zoning ordinances, and sanitation districts in the area. They have engineering designs developed to handle difficult soil conditions, and can specify what kind of materials or engineering assistance is needed. Limited assistance from soil scientists is sometimes available for consultations and site evaluations,

Tables 2-6 indicate what soil properties are important for septic-tank seepage fields, sewage lagoons, and sanitary landfill in specific soils of Kansas. If the area you are interested in has soils with slight limitations, you will have few problems for waste disposal and costs will be minimal. If the area has soils with moderate limitations, more costs and hazards are involved. If the soils have severe limitations, then steep slopes, flooding, free water, bedrock, stones, or undesirable permeability are serious problems-these sites may not be feasible for safe waste disposal under existing economic conditions. In many cases it is helpful to shade or color soil maps to show the different limitations of the different soils (Figure 26); in this way a planner or developer can see immediately what is the magnitude of the soil problems in the different places. Other single factor maps can be made to show the locations of the most important soil properties, including slopes, bedrock, water table, stones, flooding, and so on.

Figure 26--Soil groupings into slight, moderate (lightest shading), and severe (darkest shading) limitations categories for septic-tank seepage fields on an unpublished soil map from an area in Riley County, Kansas (Adapted from Soil Survey Staff, 19721); this map was made from the soil map also shown in Figure 1 of this publication). Top of map is north; scale is approximately 3 inches = 1 mile.

Hand drawn map of soil limitations near Seven Mile Creek in Riley County.

Much can be learned by study of the soil maps. Figure 27, for example, shows the soil pattern northeast of Liberal, Kansas. Soil areas marked "Ra" consist of Randall clay; a description of that soil is given in this publication in the section on soil-profile descriptions. Randall soils are very poor for waste disposal (Table 6), but can be made suitable for sewage lagoons with careful engineering designs. From the aerial photograph (Figure 27), it appears that sewage from Liberal is being diverted into the large Randall soil area northeast of the town. In contrast, "Rm" and "Rh" soil areas (Figure 27) consist of Richfield silt loam soils; they are good for most kinds of waste disposal (Table 6). The Dalhart fine sandy loam soils (Da, Db), on different slopes, are also good for most kinds of waste disposal.

Figure 27--Soil pattern northeast of Liberal, Kansas (Adapted from Dickey et al., 1965, soil map sheet 45). Top of map is north; scale is reduced from 1:20,000 to approximately 2 1/2 inches = 1 mile.

Hand drawn map of soil types around sewage pond near Liberal.

The best solution of most waste-disposal problems is not a simple matter, but involves complex and interrelated planning procedures. One of the best descriptions of a thorough planning process to create an environment for people to grow in has been given by Hoppenfeld for the new city of Columbia, Maryland (1967); almost everyone who has visited or lived in the new city of Columbia is convinced that it represents a creative attempt to build a better city at feasible cost. Similar concepts could be applied to rural and urban planning in Kansas, and soil maps can help in the total planning process. Examples of special soil studies for environmental planning are available (Olson and Marshall, 1968; Olson, 1969, 1972b). Detailed and comprehensive planning using soil maps is particularly relevant in parts of Kansas with more complex soil patterns.

Figure 28 shows the soil pattern east of Wakarusa, Kansas. The Wabash silty clay soils (Wb) have severe limitations for most kinds of waste disposal; the Reading silty clay loam soils (Re) are more suitable for waste disposal in some places, but both soils are subjected to flooding on broad flats. The "Br" drainageways have steep sideslopes and narrow floodplains. Martin silty clay loam soils (Me, Mb) have some potential for sanitary landfill, but severe limitations for septic-tank seepage fields. Pawnee clay loam soils (Pc, Pe) have different limitations for waste disposal on different slopes. Areas marked "Sw" are stony steep land. If these areas are uncleared, it is probably wisest to let them remain that way. As Figure 28 shows, most soils in this area have limitations for waste disposal, but the soil limitations are different and can be turned to an advantage for planning. Thus the very poor stony steep soils (Sw) and stream channels (Br) have unique forest vegetation already, which can be put to good use as green belts and "open" space; floodplains (Wb, Re) can be preserved for farming; uplands (Me, Mb, Pc, Pe) could have cluster housing developments with municipal sewer systems. The topographic variability of the soils gives the area great aesthetic potential, so that it could be enhanced considerably as a planned community for people to live in and enjoy.

Figure 28--Soil pattern east of Wakarusa, Kansas (Adapted from Abmeyer and Campbell, 1970, soil map sheet 43). Top of map is north; scale is 1:20,000, or approximately 3 1/2 inches = 1 mile.

Hand drawn map of soil types around Wakarusa.

Special critical areas in Kansas which can benefit from use of soil maps include areas around reservoirs. Mission Lake, northeast of Horton, Kansas, is one small lake that can be used as an example. Figure 29 shows the soil pattern around the lake. The variable soil slopes, indicated by B, C, and D letters in the last part of the soil symbols, indicate considerable complexities for aesthetic planning of vistas and plantings for landscape design. Most of the soils around the lake have clayey textures, so that they are poor for subsurface sewage disposal in septic-tank seepage fields. Cluster developments built along the west shore of the lake could have sewer lines and a central sewage-treatment plant; the rest of the lakeshore could be kept open for golf courses and other recreational activities (Figure 30). The upper part of the reservoir area, which is more subject to flooding and sedimentation, can be used for wildlife and conservation education projects. Watershed management of all soil areas (Kling, 1973) draining into the lake, of course, is essential if the life and desirable qualities of the lake are to be maximized. Thus, soil maps should be used not only to assist in waste disposal, but in all other aspects of land-area management as well.

Figure 29--Soil pattern around Mission Lake northeast of Horton, Kansas (Adapted from Eikleberry, 1960, soil map sheet 24). Top of map is north; scale is 1:20,000, or approximately 3-1/2 inches = 1 mile.

Hand drawn map of soil types around Mission Lake and golf course, Horton.

Figure 30--View of Mission Lake in Brown County, from the east shore. Although most of the soils around Mission Lake have severe limitations for waste disposal, soil maps show the various magnitudes of the limiting characteristics, and delineate slopes and other criteria which are vital for landscape design. Many reservoir lakeshores should probably be preserved for recreational and aesthetic use; this also reduces the pollution of the lake and prevents property damage when floods come.

Photo of Mission Lake, Horton, Kansas; grass covered slope toward lake, a few trees.

Soil maps, of course, will not by themselves solve all of the problems of waste disposal, and their accuracy is not 100 percent for all areas. Soil maps are probably at least 80-90 percent accurate for most uses, but they should be continually tested in the field. Soil maps should be considered to be a first approximation for solution to land use problems, as the title page of this publication indicates. For complex projects, soil maps are most useful when combined with deeper geologic investigations, well-log data, water-table fluctuation measurements, sedimentation studies, pollution monitorings, and other careful planning, engineering, and geologic studies. If our environment is to be substantially improved, most of the waste-disposal problems of the future will likely be complex, unique, and individualistic problems involving many interdisciplinary efforts (Stevens, 1971)-with laymen taking an active role in project implementation along with the professional scientists and environmentalists.

Table 6--Major limiting soil characteristics and ratings of limitations* for waste disposal in soils of Kansas (Adapted from soil interpretation sheets for soil series; Soil Survey Staff, 1971; and other sources). Numbers indicate specific limitations of each soil for each use--1 Slow permeability rates, 2 Rapid permeability rates, 3 Too clayey (workability), 4 Too sandy (workability), 5 Slopes, 6a Occasional and frequent flooding, 6b Rare flooding, 7 Water table, 8 Possible pollution hazard, 9 Drainage, 10a Hard bedrock at 10"-20", 10b Hard bedrock at 20"-40", 10c Hard bedrock at 40"-60", 11a Rippable bedrock at 10"-20", 11b Rippable bedrock at 20"-40", 11c Rippable bedrock at 40"-60", 12 Coarse fragments. *Limitations of some series are subject to change pending final correlations and acquisition of more data about the soils and the various disposal systems.

Soil
series
name
Septic-tank
seepage
fields
Sewage
lagoons
Sanitary landfills
Trench types Area types
ABILENE Severe--1 Slight Severe--3 Slight
ALBION Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
ALTUS Slight Moderate--2 Slight Slight
ANGELUS Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a
ANSELMO Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
ARMO Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Slight Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
ARMSTER Severe--1 Moderate < 7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
ATTICA Slight Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
BANKARD Slight < 8%
Severe > 8%--8
Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
BARLANE Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7
BASEHOR Severe--10a Severe--2, 10a Severe--2, 10a Severe--2
BATES Severe--11b Severe--11b Moderate--11b Slight
BAXTER Moderate < 15%--1
Severe > 15%--5
Moderate < 7%--1
Severe > 7%--5
Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
BAYARD Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
BENFIELD Severe--11b Severe--11b Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
BETHANY Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Severe--3 Slight
BIPPUS Slight Moderate--2 Moderate--3 Slight
BODINE Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
Severe--2 Severe 2 Severe--2
BOEL Severe--6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, 7
BOGUE Severe--11b Severe--11b Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
BOLIVAR Severe--10b Severe--10b Severe--10b Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
BOWDOIN Severe--1, 6a Severe--6a Severe--3, 6a Severe--6a
BREWER Severe--1 Slight Moderate--3 Slight
Moderate--6b
BRIDGEPORT Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a
BROWNELL Severe--10b Severe--10b Severe--10b Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
BURCHARD Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
BUTLER Severe--1 Slight Severe--3, 9 Severe--9
CAMPUS Severe--11b Severe--11b Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
CANADIAN Moderate--6b Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
CANLON Severe--11a Severe--11a Severe--11a Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
CANYON Severe--10a Severe--10a Moderate < 25%--3, 10a
Severe > 25%--5
Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
CAREY Slight Moderate--2 Moderate--3 Slight
CARLSON Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Moderate--3 Slight
CARR Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a
CARUSO Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7
CARWILE Severe--1 Slight Severe 3 Moderate--9
CASE Slight Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight
CASS Moderate--6b
Severe-8
Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
CATOOSA Severe--10b Severe--10b Severe--10b Slight
CAWKER Moderate--6b Moderate--2 Moderate--6b Moderate--6b
CHARITON Severe--1 Slight Severe--3, 9 Severe--9
CHASE Severe--1 Moderate--6b Severe--3 Moderate--6b, 9
CHEROKEE Severe--1 Slight Severe--3 Moderate--9
CHURCH Severe--1, 7 Severe--7 Severe--3, 7 Severe--7
CLAIREMONT Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a
CLAREMORE Severe--10a Severe--10a Severe--10a Slight
CLARESON Severe--10a Severe--10a Severe--10a Slight
CLARK Slight Moderate--2 Slight Slight
CLEORA Severe--6a Severe--2, 6a Severe--2, 6a Severe--2, 6a
CLIME Severe--11b Severe--11b Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
COLBY Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Slight < 15%
Moderate 15-25%--5
Severe > 25%--5
Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
COLLINSVILLE Severe--10a Severe--10a Severe--10a Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
COLY Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Slight < 15%
Moderate 15-25%--5
Severe > 25%--5
Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
CORBIN Severe--1 Moderate--2 Moderate--3 Slight
CORINTH Severe--11b Severe--11b Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
COZAD Slight Moderate--2 Slight Slight
CRETE Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Severe--3 Moderate--9
CRISFIELD Moderate--6b Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
CROCKER Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
DALE Moderate--6b Severe--6b Moderate--6b Moderate--6b
DALHART Slight Moderate--2 Slight Slight
DARNELL Severe--11b Severe--2, 11b Severe--2 Severe--2
DEEPWATER Moderate--1 Moderate--2 Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
DENNIS Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Severe--3 Slight
DETLOR Severe--1, 11b Severe--11b Severe 3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%-5
DETROIT Severe--1 Slight Severe--3 Moderate--6b
DILLWYN Severe--7, 8 Severe--2, 7 Severe--2, 7 Severe--2, 7
DOXIE Severe--1 Slight Severe--3 Moderate--6b
DRUMMOND Severe--1, 7 Slight Severe--3, 7 Severe--7
DWIGHT Severe--1 Moderate--10c Severe--10c, 3 Slight
DWYER Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%-5
Severe > 15%--5, 8
Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
EDALGO Severe--11b Severe--11b Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
EDINA Severe--1 Slight Severe--3, 9 Severe--9
ELKADER Moderate--11c Moderate < 7%--11c
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3, 11c Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
ELMONT Severe--1 Moderate < 7%--11c
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3, 11c Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
ELSMERE Severe--7, 8 Severe--2, 7 Severe--2, 7 Severe--2, 7
ELTREE Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
ENGLUND Severe--11b Severe--11b Severe--3 Slight
ENTERPRISE Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
ERAM Severe--1, 11b Severe--11b Severe--3 Slight
EUDORA Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a
FARNUM Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Moderate--3 Slight
FLORENCE Severe--1 Severe--12 Severe--12 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
GARA Severe--1 Moderate < 7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate < 25%--3
Severe > 25%--5
Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
GEARY Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
GERLANE Severe--6a, 7, 8 Severe--2, 6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, 7
GEUDA Severe--11b Severe--11b Severe--3 Slight
GIRARD Severe--1, 6a, 7, 10b Severe--6a, 7, 10b Severe--3, 6a, 7, 10b Severe--6a, 7
GLENBERG Severe--6a Severe--2, 6a Severe--2, 6a Severe--2, 6a
GOESSEL Severe--1 Slight Severe--3 Slight
GOSHEN Moderate--6b Moderate--2 Moderate--6b Moderate--6b
GOSPORT Severe--11b Severe--11b Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
GRABLE Moderate-7 Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
GRANT Moderate < 15%--11c
Severe > 15%--5
Moderate < 7%--11c
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
GRIGSTON Moderate--6b Moderate--2 Moderate--6b Moderate--6b
GRUNDY Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Severe--3 Moderate < 8%--9
Severe > 8%--5
GYMER Severe--1 Moderate < 7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
HALL Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Moderate--3 Slight
HARNEY Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
HASTINGS Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
HAYNIE Moderate--6b Moderate--2 Moderate--6b Moderate--6b
HECTOR Severe--10a Severe--2, 10a Severe--2, 10a Severe--2
HEDVILLE Severe--10a Severe--10a Severe--10a Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
HEIZER Severe--10a Severe--10a Severe--10a Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%---5
HEPLER Severe--1, 6a Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a
HOBBS Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a
HOLDER Moderate--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
HOLDREGE Slight Moderate--2 Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
HORD Slight Moderate--2 Slight Slight
HUMBARGER Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a
INAVALE Severe--6a, 8 Severe--2, 6a Severe--2, 6a Severe--2, 6a
IRWIN Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Severe--3 Slight
IVAN Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a
JUDSON Moderate--6b Severe--6b Moderate--6b Moderate--6b
KAHOLA Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a
KANZA Severe--6a, 7, 8 Severe--2, 6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, 7
KASKI Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a
KEITH Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Slight < 8
Moderate > 8%--5
Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
KENESAW Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
KENNEBEC Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a
KENOMA Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Severe--3 Slight
KIM Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
Moderate < 7%-2
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8-5%
KIMO Severe--1, 7, 8 Severe--6b, 7 Severe--7 Severe--7
KINGFISHER Severe--1, 11c Severe--11c Moderate--3, 11c Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
KINGMAN Severe--1, 6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7, 9 Severe--6a, 7, 9
KIPSON Severe--11a Severe--11a Moderate--11a Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
KIRKLAND Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Severe--3 Slight
KNOX Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe < 15%--5
Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Slight < 15%
Moderate 15-25%--5
Severe > 25%--5
Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
KONAWA Slight Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Slight Slight
LABETTE Severe--1, 10b Severe--10b Severe--10b Slight
LADOGA Severe--1 Moderate < 7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
LADYSMITH Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Severe--3 Moderate--9
LAGONDA Severe--1 Moderate < 7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3, 9 Moderate-9
LAMO Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7
LANCASTER Severe--11b Severe--11b Moderate--3, 11b Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
LAS Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7
LAS ANIMAS Severe--6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, 7, 9 Severe--2, 6a, 7, 9
LEANNA Severe--1, 6a Severe--6a Severe--6a, 9 Severe--6a, 9
LESHARA Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7
LESHO Severe--1, 6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7
LIGHTNING Severe--1, 6a Severe--6a Severe--3, 6a, 9 Severe--6a, 9
LIKES Slight Severe--2 Severe--2, 4 Severe--2
LINCOLN Severe--6a Severe--2, 6a Severe--2, 4, 6a Severe--2, 6a
LISMAS Severe--11a Severe--11a Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
LOCKHARD Severe--1 Slight Severe--3 Slight
LOFTON Severe--1 Slight Severe--3 Slight
LONGFORD Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
LUBBOCK Severe--1 Slight Slight Slight
LUCIEN Severe--11a Severe--2a, 11a Severe--2 Severe--2
LULA Moderate--10c Moderate--10c Severe--10c Slight
MANDEVILLE Severe--11b Severe--11b Moderate--11b Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
MANGUNI Severe--1, 6a Severe--6a Severe--3, 6a Severe--6a
MANSIC Moderate-1 Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate-3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
MANSKER Slight Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight
MANTER Slight Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
MANVEL Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Slight Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
MARSHALL Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%-5
Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
MARTIN Severe--1 Moderate < 7%--11c
Severe > 7%--5
Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
MASON Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--2
Severe > 7%--6b
Moderate--3, 6b Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5, 6b
MATFIELD Severe--1 Severe--12 Severe--12 Slight
MAYBERRY Severe--1 Moderate < 7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
McCUNE Severe--1, 6a Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a
McLAIN Severe--1 Slight Moderate--3, 6b Moderate--6b
MENFRO Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
Moderate < 7%--2, 5
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate < 25%--3
Severe > 25%--5
Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
MENTO Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight
MILAN Moderate--1 Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight
MILLER Severe--1, 6a Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a
MINCO Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Slight < 15%
Moderate 15-25%--5
Severe > 25%--5
Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
MINNEQUA Severe--11b Severe--11b Moderate--11b Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%-5
MISSLER Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Moderate-3 Slight
MONONA Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Slight < 15%
Moderate 15-25%--5
Severe > 25%--5
Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
MORRILL Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Slight < 15%
Moderate > 15%--5
Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
MUIR Moderate-6b Moderate-2 Moderate--6b Moderate--6b
MULDROW Severe--1 Slight Severe--3 Moderate-6b
MUNJOR Severe--6a Severe--2, 6a Severe--2, 6a Severe--2, 6a
NARON Slight Moderate to
Severe--2
Slight to
Severe 2
Slight to
Severe--2
NASH Severe--11b Severe--11b Moderate--11b Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
NASHVILLE Severe--11b Severe--11b Moderate--11b Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
NESS Severe--1 Slight Severe--3, 6a Severe--6a
NEW CAMBRIA Severe--1 Slight Severe--3 Moderate--6b
NEWTONIA Slight Moderate--2 Severe--3 Slight
NIBSON Severe--11a Severe--11a Moderate--11a Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
NIOTAZE Severe-01, 11b Severe--11b Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
NODAWAY Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a
NORGE Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Moderate--3 Slight
NORWOOD Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a
NUCKOLLS Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Slight < 15%
Moderate > 15%--5
Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
OAKWOOD Severe--11 6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7
OKEMAH Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Severe--3 Slight
OLMITZ Moderate--1 Moderate--2 Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
OLPE Severe--1 Severe--12 Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
ONAWA Severe--1, 6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7
ORD Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7
ORTELLO Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
OSAGE Severe--1, 6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7
OSKA Severe--1, 10b Severe--10b Severe--101) Slight
OST Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight
OTERO Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
OWEGO Severe--1, 6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7
OWENS Severe--1, 11a Severe--11a Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5*
Severe > 15%--5
PARSONS Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--2
Severe--3 Moderate--9
PAWNEE Severe--1 Moderate < 7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
PENDEN Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
PENROSE Severe--10a Severe--10a Severe--10a Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
PLATTE Severe--6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, 7
PLEASANT Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Severe--3 Slight
PLEVNA Severe--6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, 7
POND CREEK Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Moderate--3 Slight
PORT Moderate--1, 6b Moderate--2 Moderate--3, 6b Moderate--6b
POTTER Severe--11a Severe--11a Moderate < 25%--11a
Severe > 25%--5
Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
PRATT Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
PROMISE Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
QUINLAN Severe--11a Severe--2, 11a Severe--2 Severe--2
RADLEY Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a
RANDALL Severe--1 Slight Severe--3, 6a Severe--6a
READING Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--6b Moderate--6b
REINACH Moderate--6b Moderate--2 Moderate--6b Moderate--6b
RENFROW Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Severe--3 Slight
RICHFIELD Moderate--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Moderate--3 Slight
RINGO Severe--1, 11b Severe--11b Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
RIVERTON Moderate--1 Moderate--2, 12 Moderate--3, 12 Slight
ROSEHILL Severe--1, 11b Severe--11b Severe--3 Slight
ROXBURY Moderate to
Severe--6a, 6b
Severe--6a, 6b Moderate to
Severe--6a, 6b
Moderate to
Severe--6a, 6b
RUELLA Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Slight Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
RYUS Severe--1 Slight Moderate--3, 6b Moderate--6b
SARPY Severe--6a, 8 Severe--2, 6a Severe--2, 4, 6a Severe--2, 6a
SATANTA Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Slight Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
SHARPSBURG Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
SHELBY Severe--1 Moderate < 7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
SHELLABARGER Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Slight Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
SIBLEYVILLE Moderate--11b Severe--11b Moderate--11b Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
SMOLAN Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
SOGN Severe--10a Severe--10a Severe--10a Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
SOLOMON Severe--1, 6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--3, 6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7
SPEARVILLE Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Severe--3 Slight
STEEDMAN Severe--11b Severe--11b Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
STEINAUER Moderate < 15%--1
Severe > 15%--5
Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate < 25%--3
Severe > 25%--5
Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
STEPHENVILLE Severe--11b Severe--11b Moderate--11b Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
SUMMIT Severe--1 Moderate < 7%--11c
Severe > 7%--5
Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
SUTPHEN Severe--1, 6a Severe--6a Severe--3, 6a Severe--6a
SWEETWATER Severe--1, 6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7
TABLER Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Severe--3 Slight
TALIHINA Severe--11a Severe--11a Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
TALOKA Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Severe--3 Moderate--9
THURMAN Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--8
Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
TIMKEN Severe--1, 11a Severe--11a Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
TINA Severe--1 Slight Severe--3 Moderate--6b
TIPTON Slight Moderate--2 Slight Slight
TIVOLI Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
Severe--2 Severe--2, 4 Severe--2
TOBIN Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a Severe--6a
TRAVESSILLA Severe--11a Severe--11a Severe--11a Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%-5
TULLY Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%-5
Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
ULY Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
Moderate < 7%--2
Severe > 7%--5
Slight < 15%
Moderate > 15%--5
Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
ULYSSES Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
Moderate < 7%-2
Severe > 7%--5
Slight Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
VALENTINE Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
Severe--2 Severe--2, 4 Severe--2
VANOSS Slight Moderate--2 Moderate--3 Slight
VERDIGRIS Moderate to
Severe--6a, 6b
Severe--6a Moderate to
Severe--6a, 6b
Moderate to
Severe--6a, 6b
VERNON Severe--1, 11b Severe--11b Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
VINLAND Severe--11a Severe--11a Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
VONA Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
WABASH Severe--1, 6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7
WAKEEN Severe--11b Severe--11b Moderate--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
WALDECK Severe--6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, Severe--2, 6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, 7
WANN Severe--6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, 7 Severe--2, 6a, 7
WAURIKA Severe--1 Slight Severe--3 Moderate--9
WELDA Severe--1 Moderate < 7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
WINDTHORST Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Moderate--3 Slight
WOODSON Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate > 2%--5
Severe--3 Moderate--9
WOODWARD Severe--11b Severe 11b Moderate--11b Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
WYMORE Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate > 8%--5
YAHOLA Moderate to
Severe--6a, 6b
Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
ZAAR Severe--1 Slight < 2%
Moderate 2-7%--5
Severe > 7%--5
Severe--3 Slight < 8%
Moderate 8-15%--5
Severe > 15%--5
ZAVALA Severe--6a
Moderate--6b
Severe--2 Severe--2 Severe--2
ZENDA Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7
ZOOK Severe--1, 6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7 Severe--6a, 7, 9 Severe--6a, 7, 9

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Kansas Geological Survey, Geology
Placed on web Aug. 7, 2009; originally published March 1974.
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The URL for this page is http://www.kgs.ku.edu/Publications/Bulletins/208/07_desi.html