Desha County, Arkansas

Survey Area AR041• 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 Vertisols — clay-rich soils that shrink and swell dramatically with moisture changes. 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. 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
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

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.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Alfisols

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

Mollisols

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

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.