Douglas County, Missouri
The most common soil here is Poynor, on about 21% of the land: a gravelly silt loam, smooth, like flour. Ocie and Mano come next.
About 49% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 11% of it.
USDA rates 85% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 84% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 7% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 34% 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 Douglas 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 B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Douglas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coulstone-Bender complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes, very stony | 76K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ocie-Gatewood complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 66K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poynor extremely gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mano-Ocie complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 44K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poynor extremely gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 44K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mano-Ocie complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 39K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scholten-Poynor complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 32K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mano-Ocie complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 30K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ocie-Gatewood complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 22K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Relfe-Sandbur complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 13K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poynor very gravelly silt loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clarksville extremely gravelly silt loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scholten-Tonti complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pomme silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cedargap-Razort complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cedargap-Razort complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gressy-Viraton complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cedargap gravelly loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gatewood-Moko complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky, very flaggy | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ocie-Gatewood complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately 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 84% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 85% 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.