Phillips County, Arkansas
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Phillips County, Arkansas.
| 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 |
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.