Clark County, Arkansas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 66% 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 94% 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.