Lafayette County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Lafayette County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Higginsville silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 61K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marshall silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Marshall silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 27K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Macksburg silt loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 26K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blackoar and Otter silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 25K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sampsel silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 19K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winfield silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Blackoar and Otter silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes and frequently flooded soils | 15K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minden silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Knox silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Winfield silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Winfield silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Knox silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 6K | Subaqueous | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Marshall silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knox silt loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sampsel silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colo silty clay loam, heavy till, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haynie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 54% 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 82% 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.