New Madrid County, Missouri

Survey Area MO143• 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 Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 New Madrid 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 loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	57K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gideon loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	51K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded, north	34K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dundee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	30K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	23K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wardell loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	21K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bosket fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	19K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lilbourn fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	15K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gideon clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	12K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	11K	Subaqueous		Not rated	Not rated
Alligator silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	10K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Levees-Borrow pits complex, 0 to 25 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained		Not rated	Not rated
Commerce silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bosket fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Gideon loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	9K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Broseley loamy fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Forestdale silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Farrenburg fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sikeston sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	6K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sikeston loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	6K	Poorly drained	B/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.

Alfisols

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

Entisols

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

Vertisols

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

Mollisols

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

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 89% 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.