Cooper 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 Cooper County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goss very gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clafork silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 22K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dockery silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wrengart silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Leslie silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leslie silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bunceton silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Clafork silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winfield silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Weller silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 14 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crestmeade silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bluelick silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cotton silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wrengart silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Knox silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Crestmeade silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Winfield silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 62% 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 94% 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.