Shannon County, Missouri

Survey Area MO203• Missouri

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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. 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
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

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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Alfisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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 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.