Franklin County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 72% 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 94% 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.