Lafayette County, Missouri

Survey Area MO107• Missouri

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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. 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
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

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.

Mollisols

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

Alfisols

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

Entisols

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

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.