Ripley County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is 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 Ripley County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doniphan very gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville very gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 26K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Captina silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville very gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Captina silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Doniphan very gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Midco very gravelly loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 18K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poynor gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Midco very gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Macedonia silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville very gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wilderness gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poynor gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Loring silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tuckerman fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coulstone very gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Doniphan very gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poynor very gravelly silt loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Doniphan gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bearthicket silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% 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 84% 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.