Barton County, Missouri
The most common soil here is Parsons, on about 28% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Barden and Barco come next.
About 26% of the land drains well, and 42% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 37% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 85% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 11% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 23% 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 Barton County, Missouri, 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 Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Barton 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parsons silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 96K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barden silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 65K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barco loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Parsons silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hepler-Radley complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barden silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hepler silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kanima silty clay loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Radley-Verdigris soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barco fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barco loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Liberal-Coweta-Barco complex, 2 to 14 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collinsville fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cherokee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collinsville fine sandy loam, 5 to 14 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carytown silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bolivar fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Parsons silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coalvale silty clay, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Collinsville fine sandy loam, 2 to 14 percent slopes, stony | 4K | Well drained | D | Very 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 85% 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 99% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.