Jefferson and Lincoln Counties, Arkansas

Survey Area AR660• Arkansas

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Jefferson and Lincoln Counties, 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
Perry clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	143K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rilla silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	77K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Pheba silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	61K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Portland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	48K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Portland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	44K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hebert silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	36K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Savannah fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	36K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ouachita silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	32K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Savannah fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	32K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	31K		D	Not rated	Not rated
McGehee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	31K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Desha clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	28K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sacul fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	25K	Moderately well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rilla silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Perry clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, Arkansas River	21K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Amy silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	18K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Sawyer silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	16K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Roxana silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Crevasse soils, frequently flooded	15K	Excessively drained	A	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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 74% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 80% 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.