Jackson County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Jackson County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snead-Rock outcrop complex, warm, 14 to 30 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sibley-Urban land complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Arisburg silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sibley-Urban land complex, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Snead-Urban land complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Higginsville silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sibley silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Snead-Rock outcrop complex, warm, 5 to 14 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sampsel silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greenton silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arisburg-Urban land complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Harvester complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Haynie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knox silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Higginsville-Urban land complex, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greenton-Urban land complex, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 70% 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 93% 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.