Mississippi County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Poorly 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 Mississippi County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharkey silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 40K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clana loamy fine sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Commerce silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 17K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Malden loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lilbourn fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caruthersville very fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 11K | Subaqueous | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Commerce silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reelfoot silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tiptonville silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caruthersville very fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sikeston loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunica silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunica silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Levees-Borrow pits complex, 0 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Bosket fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dundee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roellen silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 84% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.