Morgan 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 Morgan County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niangua-Bardley complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes, extremely stony | 63K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goss very gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 49K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gravois silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 43K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maplewood silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goss gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Friendly silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gravois silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 21K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rueter gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Goss gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Subaqueous | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Union silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eldon silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sturkie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sacville silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bardley-Moko complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gravois silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Racket silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glensted silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cedargap gravelly silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Racket silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 80% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.