Cross County, Arkansas
The most common soil here is Alligator, on about 22% of the land: a clay, sticky when wet and rock-hard when dry. Henry and Calloway come next.
About 2% of the land drains well, and 82% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 85% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 93% 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 Cross 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 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 Cross 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alligator clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded, west | 77K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Henry silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 70K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arkabutla silt loam | 35K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crowley and Hillemann silt loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calloway silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zachary silt loam | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Earle clay, gently undulating | 14K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alligator clay, gently undulating | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calloway silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring and Memphis silt loams, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gullied land, gravelly | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Alligator silt loam | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collins silt loam | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mantachie loam | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, west | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gullied land | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Earle clay, undulating | 3K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | 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 93% 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 95% 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.