Lewis County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly 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 Lewis County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kilwinning silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 40K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keswick clay loam, Audrain-Shelby plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 38K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armstrong loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 27K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gorin silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 26K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindley loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindley loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winfield silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vanmeter silt loam, 14 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westerville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Putnam silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leonard silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fatima silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blackoar silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winfield silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gifford silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded, rarely flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Subaqueous | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Adco silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chequest silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kickapoo fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chariton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 90% 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 97% 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.