Clay County, Missouri

Survey Area MO047• Missouri

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 Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Clay 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
Sharpsburg silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	25K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sharpsburg silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	22K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lagonda silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	20K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Macksburg silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes	17K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nodaway silt loam, heavy till, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	10K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Armster silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Armster loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Haynie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Water	7K	Subaqueous		Not rated	Not rated
Nodaway silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	7K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Knox silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, severely eroded	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Ladoga silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharpsburg-Urban land complex, 5 to 9 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Snead-Rock outcrop complex, 14 to 30 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bremer silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ladoga silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Snead-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 14 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Knox-Urban land complex, 9 to 14 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sharpsburg silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wiota silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 88% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 92% 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.