Perry County, Arkansas
The most common soil here is Carnasaw, on about 35% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Pirum and Clebit come next.
About 81% of the land drains well, and 8% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 14% of it.
USDA rates 91% 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.
Worth knowing: 10% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 66% of it.
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 Perry 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 Well 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 Perry 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnasaw-Pirum-Clebit association, steep | 105K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carnasaw-Pirum-Clebit association, rolling | 93K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carnasaw-Pirum association, undulating | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guthrie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 13K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sherwood fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Leadvale silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clebit-Carnasaw-Pirum association, very steep | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barling silt loam, occasionally flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ceda gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spadra fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 7K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Carnasaw gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Leadvale silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Perry clay, occasionally flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enders stony fine sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enders stony fine sandy loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Taft silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moreland silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wrightsville silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muskogee silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well 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 shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.