Sullivan County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Sullivan County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armstrong clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 87K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gara clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 60K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gara clay loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 42K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Landes loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winnegan loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winnegan loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 20K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pershing silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keswick loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gara clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, severely eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gara clay loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zook silty clay loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gorin silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reger very fine sandy loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winnegan loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chequest silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zook silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armstrong loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tice silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winnegan clay loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Landes loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 79% 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. 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.