Macon County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well 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 Macon County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keswick clay loam, 9 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 53K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armstrong loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 34K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winnegan loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 30K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winnegan loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 29K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leonard silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 29K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armstrong loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adco silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keswick clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 23K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Purdin loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 22K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gorin silt loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armstrong clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, severely eroded | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bevier silty clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adco silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Darwin silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 11K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilbur silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armstrong clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chequest silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Purdin clay loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Piopolis silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tice silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, long duration | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 100% 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 100% 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.