Hempstead County, Arkansas

Survey Area AR057• Arkansas

The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Hempstead 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
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

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.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

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 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.