Stoddard County, Missouri
The most common soil here is Loring, on about 12% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Falaya and Sharkey come next.
About 12% of the land drains well, and 68% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 78% of it.
USDA rates 91% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 89% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 41% 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 Stoddard 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 Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Stoddard 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 | 47K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Falaya silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 34K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calhoun silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 27K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gideon loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 26K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lilbourn fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 23K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Memphis silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Overcup silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded | 17K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amagon silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Overcup silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Commerce silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Farrenburg fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amagon silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Overcup silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Falaya silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calhoun silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roellen silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | 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.
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 91% 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.