Howard County, Missouri

Survey Area MO089• 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 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 Howard 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
Winfield silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes	19K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lindley-Keswick complex, 9 to 14 percent slopes	17K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nodaway silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	13K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Gara-Armstrong complex, 5 to 9 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lindley loam, 14 to 40 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Blencoe silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Norris-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Menfro silt loam, 14 to 35 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Menfro silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Mandeville silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Grundy silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Weller silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lindley-Keswick complex, 9 to 14 percent slopes, severely eroded	7K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lowmo silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Fatima silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Winfield silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sharpsburg silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Knox silt loam, 14 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bremer silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bremer silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded	4K	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.

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 66% 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.