Garland County, Arkansas

Survey Area AR051• 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 Garland 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
Bismarck-Carnasaw complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes, very stony	63K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Carnasaw-Pirum-Clebit complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes	54K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bismarck-Carnasaw complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes, very stony	37K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	36K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Yanush-Avant complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Bismarck-Sherless-Clebit complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes, very stony	29K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ceda gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	25K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Pirum-Clebit-Carnasaw complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Bismarck-Sherless-Clebit complex, 8 to 12 percent slopes, stony	14K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pirum-Clebit-Carnasaw complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Bismarck-Clebit-Sherless complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, stony	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Carnasaw gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bonnerdale fine sandy loam 0-2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sherless-Clebit complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bigfork-Yanush-Carnasaw complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Yanush-Avant complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Carnasaw-Pirum complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bismarck-Carnasaw complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mazarn silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes occasionally flooded	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Carnasaw-Clebit complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	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.

Inceptisols

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

Alfisols

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

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 86% 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 91% 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.