Howard County, Arkansas

Survey Area AR061• Arkansas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Howard 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
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

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.

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 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.