De Kalb County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 85% 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 100% 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.