Drew County, Arkansas
The most common soil here is Amy, on about 14% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Grenada and Calloway come next.
About 17% of the land drains well, and 56% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 66% of it.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 92% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 17% 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 Drew 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 C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Drew 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amy silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 48K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Perry clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 34K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Henry-Calloway association | 32K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calloway silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 32K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amy silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 31K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tippah silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 28K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada association, undulating | 28K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pheba silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ouachita silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tichnor and Arkabutla soils, frequently flooded | 25K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Portland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Savannah fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rilla silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tippah silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Henry silt loam | 14K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sacul soils, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hebert silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sacul soils, 1 to 3 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 92% 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 94% 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.