Johnson County, Arkansas
The most common soil here is Nella, on about 24% of the land: a cobbly loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Mountainburg and Linker come next.
About 88% of the land drains well, and 2% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 6% of it.
USDA rates 81% 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: 1% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 50% 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 Johnson 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Johnson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nella-Enders complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nella-Mountainburg association, very steep | 48K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linker fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nella-Mountainburg association, steep | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountainburg gravelly fine sandy loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nella-Enders complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nella-Mountainburg association, rolling | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mountainburg stony fine sandy loam, 1 to 12 percent slopes, rocky | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 15K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Spadra fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Linker-Mountainburg association, rolling | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leadvale silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nella-Enders association, very steep | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pickwick silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cane fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leesburg-Enders association, very steep | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountainburg stony fine sandy loam, 12 to 40 percent slopes, rocky | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pickwick silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nella gravelly fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ceda cobbly fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Well 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 81% 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.