Howard 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 Howard County, Arkansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherwood-Pickens association, rolling | 88K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pickens-Sherwood-Rock outcrop association, hilly (bismarck) | 36K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sacul fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Saffell gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ozan fine sandy loam | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sacul fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Saffell gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pirum-Sherwood association, undulating | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blevins loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pirum-Pickens association, undulating (bismarck) | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blevins loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ruston fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Luverne fine sandy loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Toine loam | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sumter-Oktibbeha association, rolling | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sherwood fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Angie silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Sumter clay, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leeper silty clay | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | 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 88% 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.