Ralls County, Missouri

Survey Area MO173• Missouri

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Ralls 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
Mexico silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes, eroded	43K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Goss very gravelly silt loam, 14 to 45 percent slopes	42K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Putnam silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	30K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Leonard silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	20K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Winfield silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded	19K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Mexico silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	18K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Winfield silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	14K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Armstrong loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	13K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Armstrong loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Fatima silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gorin silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	8K	Subaqueous		Not rated	Not rated
Belknap silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Smileyville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Menfro silt loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Moniteau silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	4K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Menfro silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Weller silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Landes fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	4K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Menfro silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	4K	Well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Alfisols

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

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 82% 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 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.