Atchison County, Missouri

Survey Area MO005• Missouri

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Atchison County, Missouri. 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
Marshall silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	35K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Shelby clay loam, deep loess, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	32K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Marshall silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	27K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Contrary silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	18K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Blencoe silty clay loam, clayey substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	15K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Monona silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	14K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Colo silt loam, deep loess, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	13K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Monona silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	13K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Ida silt loam, 14 to 25 percent slopes, eroded	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Colo, frequently flooded-Judson silty clay loams, 0 to 5 percent slopes	11K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dockery silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Luton silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	10K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Higginsville silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Timula silt loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Higginsville silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Napier silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ida silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Paxico silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Onawa silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Haynie silt loam, deep loess, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	7K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat 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.

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

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

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 75% 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.