Schuyler County, Missouri
The most common soil here is Gara, on about 23% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Armstrong and Winnegan come next.
About 16% of the land drains well, and 53% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 48% of it.
USDA rates all of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and all very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 21% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Schuyler County, Missouri, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Schuyler 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gara loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winnegan loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 28K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armstrong loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vigar-Zook-Excello complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gara fine sandy loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armstrong clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoni loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seymour silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec and Fatima soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keswick clay loam, 5 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zook silty clay loam, overwash, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adco silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bevier silty clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edina silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leonard silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabash silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gorin silty clay loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amana silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arbela and Humeston soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winnegan clay loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 100% 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 100% 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.