Marion County, Arkansas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Marion County, Arkansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkana-Moko complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes, very rocky | 61K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Estate-Portia-Moko association, 20 to 40 percent slopes, stony | 60K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville very gravelly silt loam, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 53K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 29K | Subaqueous | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Estate-Portia-Moko association, 8 to 20 percent slopes, stony | 21K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Arkana-Moko complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes, very rocky | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Doniphan very gravelly silt loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nixa-Noark complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nixa very gravelly silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Doniphan very gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nixa very gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gassville very gravelly silt loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Noark very gravelly silt loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Portia fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nixa-Noark complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Noark very gravelly silt loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Razort silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Portia fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Arkana-Moko complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very rocky | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arkana very gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% 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 89% 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.