Cross County, Arkansas

Survey Area AR037• 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 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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

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

Mollisols

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

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.