Iron County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Iron County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarksville-Scholten complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 86K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goss very cobbly silt loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes, extremely stony | 38K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilderness gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 30K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Irondale gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rocky, extremely bouldery | 29K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Killarney-Frenchmill complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes, rubbly | 26K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Viburnum silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Midco gravelly loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilderness very gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Captina silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Courtois silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Midco gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knobtop silt loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Delassus silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Courtois silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fourche silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Taumsauk-Irondale-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gatewood silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fourche silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Viraton silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Secesh silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 96% 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 98% 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.