Mississippi County, Missouri

Survey Area MO133• Missouri

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Mississippi 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
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

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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

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.