Phelps County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.