Crittenden County, Arkansas
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Crittenden County, Arkansas.
| 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 |
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.