Desha 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 Desha County, Arkansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharkey and Desha clays, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 126K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey-Commerce-Coushatta association, frequently flooded | 84K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded, south | 61K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 46K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hebert silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 39K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Desha clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 30K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Perry clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 24K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rilla silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| McGehee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey and Desha clays, gently undulating | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rilla silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tutwiler silt loam | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pits, borrow | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Newellton clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Commerce silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey and Desha silt loams | 4K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Levee | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Coushatta complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Portland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newellton clay, gently undulating | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 81% 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 82% 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.