Lawrence County, Arkansas
The most common soil here is Jackport, on about 9% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Crowley and Foley come next.
About 33% of the land drains well, and 49% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 52% of it.
USDA rates 93% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 75% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 7% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 3% 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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 | 40K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jackport silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 36K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crowley silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 29K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amagon silt loam | 22K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Captina silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boden gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hontas soils, frequently flooded | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Healing silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dubbs silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| McCrory fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bosket fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey silty clay (kobel) | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee silt loam, gently undulating | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ventris-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beulah sandy loam, undulating | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Agnos gravelly silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Portia fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Agnos soils, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boden gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat 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 75% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include 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. 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.