Soil Surveys

Since the 1890’s scientists have studied the earth’s soils. Although the information helps farmers locate the most productive soils and plan conservation practices; it is not for their benefit alone.

Much of life’s activities and pursuits are related to and influenced by the soil beneath houses, roads, septic and sewage systems, airports, parks, recreation sites, farms, forests, schools, and shopping centers. What is put on the land should be guided by the soil that is beneath it. This concept is the driving force behind the soil surveys currently conducted by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), formerly Soil Conservation Service (SCS), and cooperating agencies. Originally, soil surveys were started mostly for agricultural purposes. Scientists were interested in application rates of fertilizers, depth to bedrock slopes and gravel content of the soils. According to records available to the NRCS, the University of Missouri, in connection with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the first Missouri soil survey in 1902. This survey, in Howell County, was the earliest recorded publication the NRCS has.

In 1952, the NRCS was given full responsibility of all soil surveys to be performed by the USDA. NRCS then published its first modern soil survey in 1965.

Soil descriptions help developers and builders to better plan projects and avoid cost overruns by anticipating soil limitations such as seasonal flooding, wetness, erodibility, poor bearing strength, and slippage. Homebuyers use soil surveys to determine the suitability of sites for onsite waste disposal systems. They may also be used to determine the suitability of limitations of soils for pipelines, buildings and landfills.

Like snowflakes, no two soils are the same. After years of surveying, mapping and taking soil samples, soil surveys can describe each type of soil in great detail.

There are about 515 different soil types in Missouri, each named after local towns or landmarks where they were first identified and mapped. Soil types such as Kickapoo, found in northeast Missouri and Dockery, found in northern Missouri, are prone to flooding. Soil types such as Leonard, also found in northern Missouri and Sampsel, which is found scattered across Missouri, are unstable for buildings or roads because their frequent shrinking and swelling cause cracks in walls, foundations, and roads. Some clay or wet soils like Gerald, familiar to southern Missouri, and Putnam, concentrated in northern Missouri, are poorly suited for septic tank absorption fields and basements due to their high seasonal water tables. A lack of proper design will allow water seepage into basements and buildings. These limitations are listed in published soil surveys.

Of the 114 counties in Missouri, the Natural Resources Conservation Service has completed and published soil surveys for 85 counties. Seventeen counties are currently being surveyed, and 12 are scheduled for surveys. Part of the Mark Twain National Forest also has a completed and published survey.

St. Louis City – St. Louis County – St. Charles County Soil Surveys available

The Soil and Water Conservation District and the NRCS currently has soil surveys of St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County available through the local office.

These surveys are available through the local office only until the supply is depleted. Multiple copies may be obtained at the present time. The survey’s available to the public at no charge must be picked up at the office. The address is 1215 Fern Ridge Parkway, Suite 212. For more information, please call us at (314) 453-9555 #3.