Phelps County, Missouri

Survey Area MO161• Missouri

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Phelps 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
Bender-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	69K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Viburnum-Tonti complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes	27K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Union silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	26K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lily-Bender complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Alred-Rueter complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	23K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bendavis-Poynor complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony	22K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Beemont-Gatewood complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, stony	20K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Viraton-Wilderness complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	17K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Poynor-Bendavis complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Not limited
Scholten-Tonti complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hartville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Swiss gravelly silt loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, stony	10K	Moderately well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lily-Yelton complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bendavis very gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony	9K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cedargap gravelly silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Beemont-Gatewood complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony	7K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kaintuck-Relfe complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Kaintuck fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Lily-Yelton complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lecoma silt loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat 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.

Alfisols

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

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

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

Mollisols

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

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 91% 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 94% 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.