Atchison County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Atchison County, Missouri.
| 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 |
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.