Cedar County, Missouri
The most common soil here is Cliquot, on about 20% of the land: a gravelly loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Goss and Sylvania come next.
About 45% of the land drains well, and 4% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 5% of it.
USDA rates 93% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 46% 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 27% 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 Cedar 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 Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Cedar 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cliquot-Bolivar complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 36K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cliquot gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 28K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cliquot gravelly loam, 3 to 20 percent slopes, very stony | 20K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barco-Sylvania complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Goss gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Goss gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 14K | Subaqueous | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Sonsac-Moko-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barden loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bona gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sturkie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sonsac-Moko complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rocky | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barden silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sylvania loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hoberg silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Creldon silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sylvania loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cleora fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bona gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cleora fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Well drained | A | 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 46% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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.