Dallas County, Missouri
The most common soil here is Viraton, on about 19% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Ocie and Gatewood come next.
About 36% of the land drains well, and 5% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 37% of it.
USDA rates 92% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 87% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 10% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 38% 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 Dallas 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 Dallas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocie-Gatewood complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 55K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ocie-Gatewood complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 30K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Viraton silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 30K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilderness gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 28K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gepp-Goss-Bardley complex, 3 to 50 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Viraton silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Viraton silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Racket silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goss gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gepp-Goss complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hoberg silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sacville silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eldon-Keeno complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gasconade-Gatewood-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cedargap silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hobson silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bolivar-Basehor complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pomme silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rueter-Bardley complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winnipeg silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not 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 87% 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.