Ouachita County, Arkansas
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Ouachita County, Arkansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amy silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 71K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amy silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 43K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kirvin-Sacul association, rolling | 41K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cahaba-Norfolk association, undulating | 30K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kirvin fine sandy loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sacul-Kirvin association, undulating | 28K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bibb fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 26K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ouachita association, frequently flooded | 24K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithton fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kirvin fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Alaga loamy sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ouachita silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cahaba fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Saffell gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Leadvale silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cahaba fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Sacul fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.