Cole 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 Cole County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gatewood-Moko complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes, very stony | 33K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wrengart silt loam, bedrock substratum, 9 to 14 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gunlock silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gravois silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wrengart silt loam, bedrock substratum, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Jamesfin silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gravois silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rueter very gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Harvester complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Wrengart silt loam, bedrock substratum, 14 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moniteau silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Subaqueous | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Maplewood silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ocie gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Freeburg silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gatewood-Moko complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cotton silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Niangua-Bardley complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes, extremely stony | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ocie very gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 73% 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 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.