Maries County, Missouri

Survey Area MO125• 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 Maries 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
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

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 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.