Crittenden County, Arkansas

Survey Area AR035• 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 Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Crittenden 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
Sharkey silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, protected	129K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Alligator silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	38K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Forestdale silty clay loam	23K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dundee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	21K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	19K			Not rated	Not rated
Tunica clay, gently undulating	19K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dubbs silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Sharkey silty clay, gently undulating	15K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dundee silt loam, gently undulating	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Commerce silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, north	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tunica clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tunica clay, frequently flooded	11K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Alligator silty clay, gently undulating	10K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Robinsonville very fine sandy loam	9K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey silty clay, frequently flooded	8K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Earle clay	7K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dubbs silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Pits, borrow	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Bowdre silty clay, gently undulating	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Crevasse fine sand, frequently flooded	5K	Excessively drained	A	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.

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

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

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.

Mollisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 84% 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 93% 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.