Soil survey area

Marion County, Missouri

Survey Area MO127• Missouri

The short version

The most common soil here is Armstrong, on about 12% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Menfro and Mexico come next.

About 26% of the land drains well, and 58% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 45% of it.

USDA rates 93% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 82% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.

Worth knowing: 21% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 2% of it.

Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.

The ground underfoot

The soils you're most likely standing on

The biggest named soils in Marion County, Missouri, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.

Armstrong

12% of the area

Loam topsoil · somewhat poorly drained

A balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. The gardener's ideal.

Alfisols

Menfro

12% of the area

Silt loam topsoil · well drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Alfisols

Mexico

8% of the area

Silt loam topsoil · poorly drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Alfisols

Goss

7% of the area

Gravelly silt loam topsoil · well drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Alfisols

Winfield

6% of the area

Silt loam topsoil · moderately well drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Alfisols

Putnam

6% of the area

Silt loam topsoil · poorly drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Alfisols

Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.

The biggest mapped areas

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Marion 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
Mexico silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes, eroded	25K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Goss very gravelly silt loam, 14 to 45 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Armstrong loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	19K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Armstrong loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	16K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Putnam silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	16K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Carlow silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	15K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Belknap silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	14K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Menfro silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	13K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Gorin silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	13K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Smileyville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	13K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Winfield silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Menfro silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Leonard silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Landes fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	8K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Winfield silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Fatima silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lindley loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lindley loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Menfro silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Chequest silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	5K	Poorly drained	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.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 82% 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 93% 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.

Look Up a Specific Address