Worth County, Missouri
The most common soil here is Shelby, on about 24% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Olmitz and Gara come next.
About 30% of the land drains well, and 22% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 35% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 59% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 16% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Worth County, Missouri, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Shelby-Adair clay loams, heavy till plain, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat 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 |
| Shelby-Adair clay loams, heavy till plain, 5 to 9 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shelby-Adair loams, heavy till plain, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat 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 |
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 59% 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.