Independence 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 Independence County, Arkansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarksville very gravelly silt loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 49K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enders stony fine sandy loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sidon silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amagon silt loam, frequently flooded | 25K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linker gravelly fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Egam silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linker fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linker gravelly fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Captina silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arrington silt loam, gently undulating | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Enders stony fine sandy loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linker gravelly fine sandy loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Secesh silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily-Ramsey-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Askew silt loam, gently undulating | 9K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville very gravelly silt loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Noark very gravelly silt loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Forestdale silt loam, frequently flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountainburg stony fine sandy loam, 1 to 12 percent slopes, rocky | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% 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 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.