De Kalb County, Missouri
The most common soil here is Lamoni, on about 26% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Zook and Lagonda come next.
About 15% of the land drains well, and 76% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 71% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 86% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 22% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 1% 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 De Kalb 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 Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 De Kalb 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamoni clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 57K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zook silty clay loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 30K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lagonda silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 27K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grundy silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zook silty clay loam, heavy till, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 17K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoni soils, 5 to 9 percent slopes, severely eroded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lagonda silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoni clay loam, 4 to 7 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armstrong loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gara loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarinda silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grundy silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gosport-Gasconade complex, 14 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ladoga silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wiota silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gara loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very 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 86% 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 99% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.