Gasconade County, Missouri

Survey Area MO073• Missouri

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 Gasconade 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
Beemont gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes	45K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Beemont gravelly silt loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes	37K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Union silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	30K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Union silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	21K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gatewood very gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony	18K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gladden silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Wrengart silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	11K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Coulstone very gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony	11K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Union silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wrengart silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Union silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gatewood-Menfro complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes, bouldery	9K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Moko-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes, very stony	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Jamesfin silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Wrengart-Gatewood complex, 14 to 35 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hartville silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gladden silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Racoon silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Useful silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Moderately well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hartville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	5K	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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 90% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include 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. 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.