Ouachita County, Arkansas

Survey Area AR103• Arkansas

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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. 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
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

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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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.