Craighead County, Arkansas
The most common soil here is Loring, on about 9% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Dundee and Foley come next.
About 10% of the land drains well, and 74% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 63% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 86% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 14% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Craighead 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 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 Craighead 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 | 34K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fountain silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 28K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hillemann silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee fine sandy loam | 28K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Calhoun silt loam | 26K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Commerce very fine sandy loam | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collins silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, brief duration | 22K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, west | 21K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mhoon fine sandy loam | 21K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, west, upland phase | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Falaya silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, brief duration | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amagon silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 19K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jackport silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Henry silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee-Bruno-Commerce complex | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calloway silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dubbs fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Roellen silty clay loam | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brandon-Saffell association, moderately steep | 7K | Well drained | B | 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 86% 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 99% 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.