Hot Spring County, Arkansas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Hot Spring County, Arkansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnasaw-Bismarck-Zafra complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes, very stony | 38K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pirum-Sherless-Shermore fine sandy loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Saffell-Sacul association, rolling | 24K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Stough fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zafra-Carnasaw-Pirum complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Yanush-Carnasaw-Bigfork complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonnerdale fine sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saffell gravelly fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sacul-Smithdale association, rolling | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yanush-Bigfork-Carnasaw complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pikeville fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gurdon silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bigfork-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bigfork-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harleston fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toine fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Bowie-Sacul association, undulating | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Amy silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sacul gravelly fine sandy loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sardis silt loam, occasionally flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% 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 94% 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.