Buchanan County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Buchanan County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marshall silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Knox silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 18K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Contrary silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Marshall silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Knox silty clay loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colo silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 14K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoni silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colo silty clay loam, heavy till, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haynie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 12K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Onawa silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knox silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Higginsville silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gasconade flaggy silty clay loam, 14 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gosport silty clay loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knox silt loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waldron silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Subaqueous | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Gosport-Gasconade complex, 20 to 45 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land, bottomland, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 3K | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 56% 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 50% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.