Platte 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 Platte County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Higginsville silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 34K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knox silty clay loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knox silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, severely eroded | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Snead-Rock outcrop complex, 14 to 30 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haynie silt loam, clayey substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 12K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armster loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knox silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sibley silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sibley silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Parkville silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Snead-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 14 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knox silt loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ladoga silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haynie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Subaqueous | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 78% 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 83% 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.