New Madrid 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 New Madrid County, Missouri.
| 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 |
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.