Shelby County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Poorly 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 Shelby County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes, eroded | 78K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leonard silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 47K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Putnam silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 35K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Putnam silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindley loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keswick silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Piopolis silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 13K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armstrong loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keswick silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armstrong loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gorin silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arbela silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindley loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blackoar silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moniteau silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calwoods silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chequest silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chariton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 3K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blackoar silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabash silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
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.