Lafayette County, Missouri
The most common soil here is Marshall, on about 20% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Higginsville and Winfield come next.
About 34% of the land drains well, and 51% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 46% of it.
USDA rates 85% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 59% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 19% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 3% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Lafayette County, Missouri, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 59% 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 85% 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.