Jefferson County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Jefferson County, Missouri.
| 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 |
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.