Perry County, Arkansas

Survey Area AR105• Arkansas

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.

Ultisols

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

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

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.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 92% 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 92% 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.