Shannon County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Shannon County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scholten-Bendavis-Poynor complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 90K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville-Scholten complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 77K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coulstone-Alred complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes, very stony | 59K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coulstone-Bender complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes, very stony | 54K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gepp-Arkana complex, 15 to 55 percent slopes, rocky | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alred-Rueter complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poynor-Clarksville-Scholten complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Niangua-Bardley complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes, extremely stony | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tonti-Hogcreek complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scholten-Poynor complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Captina silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Viburnum silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scholten-Poynor complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tonti silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Macedonia silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Coulstone very gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville very gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville very gravelly silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tilk very gravelly coarse sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rueter-Gepp complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 90% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.