Hempstead County, Arkansas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Hempstead County, Arkansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sacul fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 39K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sacul-Kirvin association, rolling | 33K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Guyton silt loam, occasionally flooded | 28K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Savannah fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Smithton fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sawyer loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sacul fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Una silty clay loam, occasionally flooded | 16K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tuscumbia clay, occasionally flooded | 13K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oktibbeha clay, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Millwood silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oktibbeha silty clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Bowie fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kirvin fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sawyer loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Briley loamy fine sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kipling loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 54% 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 93% 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.