Holt County, Missouri

Survey Area MO087• Missouri

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Holt 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
Luton clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	25K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Contrary silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	17K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Exira silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	16K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Marshall silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	16K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Colo, frequently flooded-Judson silty clay loams, 0 to 5 percent slopes	15K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Shelby clay loam, deep loess, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	13K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Leta silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wabash silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	11K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Marshall silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	10K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Blencoe silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Napier-Gullied land complex, 5 to 14 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Grable-Leta complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Kenridge-Judson complex, 1 to 7 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Leta silty clay, sandy substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Timula-Knox silt loams, 14 to 35 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Monona silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Marshall silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Knox silt loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Motark silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Dupo silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	6K	Somewhat poorly 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.

Mollisols

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

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 56% 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 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.