Franklin County, Arkansas
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Franklin County, Arkansas.
| 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 |
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.