Mercer County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Mercer County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gara loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 78K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armstrong loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 33K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adair loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 29K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway silt loam, heavy till, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 21K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoni clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway-Humeston-Vigar complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grundy silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zook silty clay loam, heavy till, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gara loam, 18 to 24 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Winnegan loam, 14 to 35 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armstrong clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gara loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Humeston silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vanmeter silty clay loam, 14 to 30 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarinda silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vigar loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adair loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caleb-Mystic complex, 5 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% 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.