Clark County, Arkansas
The most common soil here is Sacul, on about 9% of the land: a very fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Sardis and Zafra come next.
About 36% of the land drains well, and 37% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 30% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 69% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 28% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 20% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Clark County, Arkansas, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Clark 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zafra-Carnasaw-Pirum complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sardis silt loam, occasionally flooded | 44K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sacul-Smithdale association, rolling | 27K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guyton silt loam, occasionally flooded | 20K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sacul fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bonnerdale fine sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gurdon silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pirum-Sherless-Shermore fine sandy loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pirum-Zafra-Clebit complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urbo silty clay loam, occasionally flooded | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Savannah fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zafra-Carnasaw-Clebit complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stough fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oktibbeha fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marietta fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded | 13K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gurdon silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 11K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Carnasaw-Bismarck-Zafra complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saffell gravelly fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Savannah fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 69% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.