Chicot County, Arkansas

Survey Area AR017• Arkansas

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Chicot 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
Perry clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	110K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	76K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	53K			Not rated	Not rated
Alluvial land, frequently flooded	29K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Commerce loam	26K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey clay, gently undulating	19K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Portland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	18K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Henry silt loam	16K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hebert and Crowley silt loams	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Calloway silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
McGehee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bowdre silty clay loam, gently undulating	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Commerce silty clay loam	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Calloway silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gallion silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes (rilla)	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Gallion and Pulaski fine sandy loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes (rilla, rilla)	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Waverly silt loam	4K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dundee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bowdre silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pits, borrow	4K		D	Not rated	Not rated

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.

Vertisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 83% 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 83% 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.