Ashley County, Arkansas

Survey Area AR003• Arkansas

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat 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 Ashley County, Arkansas. 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
Calloway silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	56K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Guyton silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	46K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Calloway silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	46K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Perry clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	43K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rilla silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	38K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Arkabutla silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	36K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Grenada silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	35K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hebert silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	35K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Henry silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	26K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Portland silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	24K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bude silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	23K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Grenada silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	22K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Amy silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	21K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pheba silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	19K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Savannah fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	18K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	16K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Calhoun silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	15K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Guyton silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	14K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Grenada silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ouachita silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	9K	Well drained	C	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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 90% 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 90% 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.