Jackson County, Arkansas
The most common soil here is Dundee, on about 13% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Foley and Crowley come next.
About 20% of the land drains well, and 71% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 59% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 76% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 4% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Jackson County, Arkansas, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Jackson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foley-Calhoun complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 55K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crowley silt loam | 42K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amagon and Forestdale silt loams | 36K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jackport silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 36K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee silt loam, undulating | 31K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bosket fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Foley-Calhoun-McCrory complex | 29K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beulah fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Leadvale silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Forestdale silty clay loam | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Egam silt loam | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bosket fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Patterson fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dexter silt loam, undulating | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey silty clay loam | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountainburg stony fine sandy loam, 1 to 12 percent slopes, rocky | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leadvale stony silt loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes (linker stony fine sandy loam) | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linker-Hector complex, 12 to 40 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated |
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% 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 99% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.