New Madrid County Soil Data
New Madrid County, Missouri
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.2
Texture
Loamy sand
Drainage
Excessively drained
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in New Madrid County, Missouri
Young Floodplain Soils of New Madrid
New Madrid County features Entisols, which are young, minimally developed soils common in floodplains. The average pH of 6.20 is slightly more acidic than the national 6.5 median but more balanced than the state average.
Sandy Texture for Easy Working
This is a loamy sand soil with a high 38.0% sand content and 40.3% silt. This coarse mixture makes the ground very easy to work, though it holds less moisture than clay-heavy soils.
Lower Moisture Retention Requires Attention
The available water capacity of 0.173 in/in is below the Missouri average, suggesting a need for consistent irrigation. Organic matter is also low at 1.75%, trailing both the national and state benchmarks.
Excessive Drainage and Rapid Water Movement
Classified as excessively drained and part of hydrologic group A, water moves through this soil very rapidly. This is excellent for preventing root rot but means the ground dries out quickly after a rain.
Heat-Loving Favorites in Zone 7b
In the warm 7b hardiness zone, you can grow long-season crops like sweet potatoes and melons that thrive in sandy earth. Despite a lower soil score, this unique environment is perfect for specialized gardening.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Excessively drained
Water is removed very rapidly. Very sandy or gravelly soils with little water retention.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loamy sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Sandy Soil Detected
Sandy soils drain quickly and can dry out. These products boost water retention and organic matter.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does New Madrid County have?
New Madrid County's soil is classified as Loamy sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 40% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is New Madrid County's soil acidic or alkaline?
New Madrid 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 New Madrid County?
New Madrid County has a dominant drainage class of "Excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in New Madrid County's soil?
Based on New Madrid County's Loamy sand texture, pH of 6.2, and Excessively drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in New Madrid County?
New Madrid County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: New Madrid County
Soil Verdict
New Madrid 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
New Madrid County is somewhat warmer than the Missouri statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for New Madrid 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.