Worth County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Worth County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olmitz-Kennebec complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shelby and Gara soils, 9 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adair and Shelby loams, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wabash silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lagonda and Clarinda soils, 5 to 11 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gara loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adair and Shelby soils, 5 to 9 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adair and Shelby loams, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shelby loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grundy silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, overflow, frequently flooded | 4K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Olmitz loam, heavy till, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lagonda and Clarinda soils, 5 to 11 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, overflow, occasionally flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 71% 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 97% 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.