Clay County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.