Soil survey area

Lincoln County, Missouri

Survey Area MO113• Missouri

The short version

The most common soil here is Keswick, on about 18% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Hatton and Menfro come next.

About 42% of the land drains well, and 42% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 29% of it.

USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 84% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.

Worth knowing: 17% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 11% 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 ground underfoot

The soils you're most likely standing on

The biggest named soils in Lincoln County, Missouri, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.

Keswick

18% of the area

Loam topsoil · somewhat poorly drained

A balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. The gardener's ideal.

Alfisols

Hatton

10% of the area

Silt loam topsoil · moderately well drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Alfisols

Menfro

9% of the area

Silt loam topsoil · well drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Alfisols

Mexico

9% of the area

Silt loam topsoil · poorly drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Alfisols

Goss

8% of the area

Gravelly silt loam topsoil · well drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Alfisols

Haymond

5% of the area

Silt loam topsoil · well drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Inceptisols

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 Well 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 Lincoln 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
Keswick silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	52K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Goss-Gasconade-Brussels complex, 9 to 70 percent slopes, very stony	41K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Mexico silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes, eroded	32K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Keswick silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	27K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hatton silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes	23K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hatton silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	21K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Haymond silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	20K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Menfro silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	15K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bucklick silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Portage clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, frequently ponded	12K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Carlow silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	12K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mexico silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	11K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Brevator loam, 14 to 30 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Menfro silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	10K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Goss very gravelly silt loam, 14 to 45 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	9K	Subaqueous		Not rated	Not rated
Crider silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Crider silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Moniteau silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded	9K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Menfro silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat 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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 84% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 94% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.

Look Up a Specific Address