Cross 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 Cross County, Arkansas.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 95% 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.