Maries 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 Maries County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Union silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 46K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gatewood very gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 44K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rueter very gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 34K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gatewood very gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 22K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swiss gravelly silt loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rueter very gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gravois silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gravois silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gunlock silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plato silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cedargap gravelly silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Useful silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gladden silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moko-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cotton silt loam, foot slopes, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beemont very gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jamesfin silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moko-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alred gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Useful silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 83% 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.