Knox County, Missouri

Survey Area MO103• Missouri

The dominant drainage class is Poorly 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 Knox 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
Kilwinning silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	56K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Armstrong loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes	36K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Leonard silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	32K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Armstrong loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	25K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gara loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lindley loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, eroded	20K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Putnam silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	18K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Putnam silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	14K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Blackoar silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes, frequently flooded	12K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gorin silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Blackoar silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	11K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Arbela silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	9K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Fatima silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Mexico silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Chequest silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	6K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lindley loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Chariton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Keswick silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Keswick silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wabash silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	3K	Very poorly drained	D	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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 100% 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 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.