Phillips County, Arkansas

Survey Area AR107• Arkansas

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 Phillips 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
Sharkey silty clay	94K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Foley silt loam	39K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Henry silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	37K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Loring silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, west	25K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	22K			Not rated	Not rated
Calloway silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	18K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Newellton soils, frequently flooded	17K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Grenada silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dundee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Jeanerette silt loam	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	9K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Memphis silt loam, 12 to 40 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Tunica silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	9K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Arkabutla silty clay loam	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Alligator clay	9K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dubbs silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Zachary soils, frequently flooded	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Calloway silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Memphis silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Commerce silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	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.

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 87% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include 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. 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.