Livingston County, Missouri

Survey Area MO117• 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 Livingston 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
Lagonda silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	58K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lagonda silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	46K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Carlow silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	32K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Greenton silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes	31K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dockery silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	22K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Locksprings silty clay loam, 9 to 30 percent slopes	17K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Greenton silty clay loam, bedrock substratum, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	16K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Grundy silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	13K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Vesser silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	11K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gosport silt loam, 14 to 35 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tice silt loam, overwash, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wabash silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	9K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Zook silty clay loam, overwash, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	8K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Colo silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	4K	Subaqueous		Not rated	Not rated
Wabash silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	4K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sturges silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lamoni loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Caleb silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Crestmeade silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 98% 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 98% 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.