Mississippi County, Arkansas
The most common soil here is Sharkey, on about 29% of the land: a clay, sticky when wet and rock-hard when dry. Steele and Tunica come next.
About 3% of the land drains well, and 83% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 77% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 91% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
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 Mississippi 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 Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Mississippi 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharkey-Steele complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 120K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, protected | 85K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunica silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 65K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Routon-Dundee-Crevasse complex | 51K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 34K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bowdre silty clay loam | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steele and Tunica soils | 20K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steele silty clay loam | 19K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 18K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Sharkey and Steele soils | 16K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Convent fine sandy loam | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Amagon sandy loam | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey-Crevasse complex | 12K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayti fine sandy loam | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alligator clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded, west | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crevasse loamy sand | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steele loamy sand | 8K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tiptonville and Dubbs silt loams | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Jeanerette silt loam | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Earle clay | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | 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 91% 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 96% 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.