Nodaway 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 Nodaway County, Missouri.
| 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 |
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.