Scott County, Missouri
The most common soil here is Memphis, on about 16% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Scotco and Sharkey come next.
About 41% of the land drains well, and 40% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 40% of it.
USDA rates 89% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 66% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 34% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Scott County, Missouri, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 66% 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 89% 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.