Holt County, Missouri
The most common soil here is Marshall, on about 10% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Luton and Leta come next.
About 51% of the land drains well, and 37% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 17% of it.
USDA rates 79% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 60% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 14% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 2% 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 Holt 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 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 60% 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 79% 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.