Stuttgart (soil) facts for kids

Stuttgart soil is a special type of soil found in Arkansas, USA. It's so important that it's even the official "State Soil" for Arkansas! This means it's recognized as a unique and valuable part of the state's natural resources.

What is Stuttgart Soil?

Stuttgart soil gets its name from the city of Stuttgart, located in the southeastern part of Arkansas. This soil is very deep and can be either moderately well-drained or somewhat poorly drained. It formed from a mix of silty and clayey materials that were carried by water, which scientists call alluvium.

Where is Stuttgart Soil Found?

You can find Stuttgart soils on flat or gently sloping land in an area known as the Grand Prairie, which is part of the Lower Mississippi Valley. About 200,000 acres (around 800 square kilometers) of land in Arkansas have Stuttgart soils.

What Grows in Stuttgart Soil?

Stuttgart soils are mostly used for growing crops. Farmers especially like to grow rice, soybeans, small grains, and corn on this soil.

The top layer of Stuttgart soil is silty, and the deeper layers are clayey. This clayey subsoil doesn't let water pass through very quickly. These features make the soil perfect for growing rice, which needs a lot of water to grow well.

Why is Stuttgart Soil Special?

The Stuttgart area is also famous for its many ducks and geese during the fall and winter. In fact, Stuttgart is known as "The Rice and Duck Capital of the World"! These birds love to eat the crops that grow in the Stuttgart soils, especially after the harvest.

Scientists classify Stuttgart soils as alfisols. However, they have a lot of a special type of clay called montmorillonite. This clay makes them very similar to another type of soil called vertisol.