Franklin County, Missouri
The most common soil here is Union, on about 12% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Useful and Goss come next.
About 40% of the land drains well, and 8% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 18% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 75% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 16% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 17% 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 Franklin 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 Franklin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Union silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 53K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goss very gravelly silt loam, 14 to 45 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Useful silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 33K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Haymond silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 30K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wrengart silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 26K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gatewood very gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 25K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beemont very gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 24K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hobson loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily-Hobson-Ramsey complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily-Holstein-Ramsey loams, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Useful silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Union silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wrengart silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Useful silt loam, 15 to 20 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hobson loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 11K | Subaqueous | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Menfro silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Moko-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | 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 75% 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 96% 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.