Mississippi County Soil Data
Mississippi County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Mississippi County, Missouri
Neutral Soils in the Bootheel
Mississippi County features a pH of 6.20, making it more alkaline than the Missouri average of 6.09. Although specific taxonomic orders are unlisted, these soils provide a chemical environment suitable for a wide variety of crops.
A Gritty and Silt-Heavy Mix
A significant 36.2% sand content is paired with 42.3% silt, creating a coarser texture than many northern counties. The 21.5% clay component helps anchor the soil and retain essential nutrients.
Lower Organic Matter but High Potential
Organic matter is relatively low at 1.86%, falling below the 2.0% national average. The available water capacity of 0.177 in/in also sits slightly below the state average of 0.183, suggesting a need for careful water management.
Managing Saturated Subaqueous Conditions
The dominant drainage class is subaqueous, indicating that the land is often saturated or underwater for significant periods. This hydrology presents unique challenges for construction and requires specialized agricultural drainage techniques.
Heat-Loving Crops in Zone 7b
Mississippi County sits in the warm 7b hardiness zone, offering one of the longest growing seasons in the state. This climate is perfect for cotton or watermelons, provided you manage the wet soil conditions effectively.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Subaqueous
Drainage class: Subaqueous
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Mississippi County have?
Mississippi County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 36% sand, 42% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Mississippi County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Mississippi County's soil has a pH of 6.2, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Mississippi County?
Mississippi County has a dominant drainage class of "Subaqueous." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Mississippi County's soil?
Based on Mississippi County's Loam texture, pH of 6.2, and Subaqueous, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Mississippi County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Mississippi County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Mississippi County
Soil Verdict
Mississippi County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture.
Regional Context
Mississippi County is somewhat warmer than the Missouri statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Mississippi County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Missouri
Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.