Clay County, Arkansas

Survey Area AR021• 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 Clay 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
Foley silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	48K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Fountain silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	31K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Jackport silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	28K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Amagon silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	26K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Crowley silt loam	26K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Falaya silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, brief duration	26K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Loring silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded, west, upland phase	23K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Brandon-Saffell association, moderately steep	22K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Collins silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, brief duration	20K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Kobel soils, frequently flooded	18K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kobel silty clay	18K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dundee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	14K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Dexter silt loam, gently undulating	14K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Amagon soils, frequently flooded	13K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wardell fine sandy loam	12K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Patterson fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bonn-Foley complex	10K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Memphis association, moderately steep	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Loring silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, west, upland phase	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bosket fine sandy loam, gently undulating	7K	Well drained	B	Not 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.

Inceptisols

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

Ultisols

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

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 94% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 100% 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.