Scott County, Missouri

Survey Area MO201• Missouri

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Scott 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
Scotco sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes	38K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Memphis silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, severely eroded	24K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	22K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sikeston loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	17K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Memphis silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Clana loamy fine sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	11K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Diehlstadt sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Malden loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	9K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Adler silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Roellen silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Adler silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Diehlstadt sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Memphis silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Farrenburg fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bosket fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Adler silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Reelfoot silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	4K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Commerce silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	3K	Subaqueous		Not rated	Not rated

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.

Inceptisols

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

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 64% 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 88% 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

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.