Polk County, Arkansas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Polk County, Arkansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherless-Littlefir complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 62K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sherless-Nashoba-Bismarck complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 48K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sherless-Littlefir complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bengal-Bismarck-Yanush complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenn-Ceda complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sherless-Nashoba complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Yanush-Bigfork complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes, moderately eroded, very rocky, very rubbly | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carnasaw-Sherless complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rubbly | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nashoba-Bismarck complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rubbly | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bismarck-Bengal-Bigfork complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes, rubbly | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Octavia-Carnasaw-Caston complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes, rubbly | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sherless-Nashoba complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes, stony | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bismarck-Nashoba-Sherless complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sherless-Littlefir complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bismarck-Nashoba-Sherless complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes, stony | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bigfork-Yanush-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes, moderately eroded, very rubbly | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenn gravelly fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes occasionally flooded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Octavia-Caston-Pirum complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very rubbly | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ceda very cobbly fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Octavia-Carnasaw complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rubbly | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 69% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.