Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is 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 Cape Girardeau County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Menfro silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 43K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 14 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menfro-Clarksville complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haymond silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Falaya silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Alred-Wrengart complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rocky, very stony | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menfro-Holstein silt loams, 9 to 14 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Menfro-Bucklick silt loams, 9 to 14 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Haymond silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakeland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peridge silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sharkey silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Subaqueous | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Wilbur silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wrengart silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Adler silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Memphis silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peridge silt loam, 15 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 51% 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 91% 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.