Jefferson County, Missouri

Survey Area MO099• Missouri

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Jefferson 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
Sonsac gravelly silt loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes, very stony	78K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Useful silt loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes	30K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Moko-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes, extremely stony	25K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Caneyville silt loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wrengart silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	18K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Goss very cobbly silt loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes, extremely stony	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Useful silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	16K	Moderately well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Useful silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	15K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Gasconade-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes, rubbly	14K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wrengart silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	12K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rueter gravelly silt loam, 15 to 55 percent slopes, extremely stony	10K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rueter-Sonsac complex, 15 to 55 percent slopes, extremely stony	8K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pevely-Holstein complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Haymond silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Bloomsdale silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	7K	Subaqueous		Not rated	Not rated
Weingarten silt loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Minnith silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rueter gravelly silt loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Minnith silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 73% 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 97% 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.