Nodaway County, Missouri

Survey Area MO147• Missouri

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Nodaway 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
Shelby clay loam, dissected till plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	106K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sharpsburg silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	90K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lamoni clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes	54K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Shelby clay loam, dissected till plain, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	36K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Higginsville silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	27K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dockery-Quiver silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	22K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Colo silty clay loam, deep loess, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	22K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharpsburg silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes	20K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Shelby clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded	18K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Shelby loam, dissected till plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Zook silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	16K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Colo, frequently flooded-Judson silty clay loams, 0 to 5 percent slopes	15K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lagonda silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	13K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Shelby loam, dissected till plain, 5 to 9 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sharpsburg silty clay loam, loess hill, 2 to 5 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Kennebec silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	8K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Macksburg silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Shelby clay loam, dissected till plain, 14 to 18 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Shelby loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Nevin silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat 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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 40% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

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.