Official State Soil of Mississippi
Mississippi designated Natchez silt loam as the official state soil in 2003. Natchez silt loam soil was originally selected In 1988 by the Professional Soil Classifiers Association of Mississippi to represent the soil resources of the state. Natchez silt loam soils exist on 171,559 acres of land in Mississippi. All State Soils
HOUSE BILL NO. 1273 (as passed the House):
AN ACT DESIGNATING NATCHEZ SILT LOAM AS THE OFFICIAL STATE SOIL; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, it appears that each of a growing number of states of the United States, having significant concern for soil, have by legislative enactment chosen a particular soil as their official state soil; and
WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi has significant concern for its soil resources; and
WHEREAS, soils enhance the quality of surface and ground waters and serve as the foundation for our bountiful agriculture, our unique wildlife habitats, our beautiful landscapes and the homes and communities of our citizens; and
WHEREAS, soils are essential to the quality of life and welfare of all Mississippians; and
WHEREAS, Natchez silt loam (a coarse-silty, mixed, superactive, thermic, Typic Eutrudepts) covers a significant land area in Mississippi and is a highly productive agricultural soil; and
WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi has yet to designate a state soil; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Natchez silt loam (coarse-silty, mixed, superactive, thermic, Typic Eutrudepts) is hereby designated as the official state soil of Mississippi.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.