Carter County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively 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 Carter County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alred-Rueter complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 50K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville very gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 49K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville very gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Captina silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville very gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tilk-Secesh complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coulstone very gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilderness very gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville-Scholten complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poynor very gravelly silt loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tilk-Secesh complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville very gravelly silt loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Macedonia silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Alred-Gepp complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Poynor gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Captina silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coulstone gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bearthicket silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wilderness-Clarksville complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coulstone very gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 71% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 72% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.