Howard County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is 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 Howard County, Missouri.
| 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 |
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.