McDonald County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 McDonald County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rueter-Goss-Jollymill complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 93K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hailey-Sonsac complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes, very rocky | 37K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jollymill-Bendavis complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 36K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville-Noark complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 35K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Noark-Clarksville-Crackerneck complex, karst, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rueter-Gasconade-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waben-Cedargap, occasionally flooded complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cedargap, frequently flooded-Gladden, occasionally flooded complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jollymill-Crackerneck complex, karst, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bendavis-Jollymill-Crackerneck complex, karst, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goss-Rueter complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Viburnum-Crackerneck complex, karst, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rueter-Pomme complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Waben-Cedargap, occasionally flooded complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pomme silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Flagspring extremely gravelly silt loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bearthicket silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Townhole silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waben very gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Clinkenbeard-Gobbler complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 75% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 77% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.