Macon County, Missouri

Survey Area MO121• Missouri

The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Macon 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 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

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.

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

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

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.