Howell County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Howell 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scholten-Poynor complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 78K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fanchon-Tonti complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Alred very gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tick very gravelly silt loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Macedonia gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Scholten-Bendavis-Poynor complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenaga-Egyptgrove complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scholten-Poynor complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Taterhill silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Poynor-Scholten complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenaga-Egyptgrove-Tonti complex, karst, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poynor very gravelly silt loam, karst, 3 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alred-Ocie-Bendavis complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coulstone-Bender complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes, very stony | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tick extremely gravelly silt loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes, very stony | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gressy-Viraton complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alred-Bendavis complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pomme silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Secesh-Tilk complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alred extremely gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Well 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 62% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 65% 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.