Pike County, Arkansas

Survey Area AR109• 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 Pike 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
Sherless-Littlefir-Nashoba complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	90K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sherless-Littlefir complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes	34K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sherless-Littlefir-Nashoba complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Carnasaw-Sherless complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Peanutrock very gravelly fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Peanutrock very gravelly fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Pikecity silt loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Peanutrock very gravelly fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Water	9K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Dela fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	8K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Tiak-Antoine complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Carnasaw-Zafra-Clebit complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, moderately eroded, rubbly	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bonnerdale fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Speer fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Guyton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	7K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Peanutrock-Tiak complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sherless-Nashoba complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Vaughn-Pikecreek complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Ochlockonee fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Carnasaw-Sherless complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony	5K	Well 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.

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.

Vertisols

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

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 35% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 94% 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.