Monroe County, Arkansas
The most common soil here is Sharkey, on about 18% of the land: a clay, sticky when wet and rock-hard when dry. Calhoun and Foley come next.
About 11% of the land drains well, and 79% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 76% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 84% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 32% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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-Bonn complex | 90K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 78K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jackport silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 33K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Commerce soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 28K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dubbs silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mhoon soils, frequently flooded | 16K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lafe-Bonn complex | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calhoun silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bosket fine sandy loam, gently undulating | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dubbs silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Amagon silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tichnor soils, frequently flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dewitt silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grubbs silt loam | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bosket fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not 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 84% 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 97% 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.