Franklin County, Arkansas

Survey Area AR047• Arkansas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Franklin 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
Mountainburg gravelly fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	41K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Linker fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Allen-Enders association, steep, (nella)	24K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Mountainburg stony fine sandy loam, 1 to 12 percent slopes, rocky	23K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Leadvale silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	16K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Allen-Enders association, rolling, (nella)	15K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Allen-Holston association, very steep, (nella)	14K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Leadvale silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Enders-Mountainburg association, 20 to 40 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Allen-Mountainburg association, steep, (nella)	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Falkner silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Montevallo-Mountainburg complex, 12 to 40 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bruno and Iuka soils	9K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Allen-Mountainburg association, rolling, (nella)	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Water	8K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Pickwick silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Mountainburg stony fine sandy loam, 12 to 40 percent slopes, rocky	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mountainburg-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 65 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Linker-Mountainburg gravelly fine sandy loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Allen-Enders association, very steep, (nella)	5K	Well drained	B	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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

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.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 85% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 85% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.