Pope County, Arkansas
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Pope County, Arkansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linker fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 68K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountainburg gravelly fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nella-Enders-Mountainburg association, very steep | 51K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nella-Enders complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nella-Mountainburg association, steep | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leadvale silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 28K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountainburg stony fine sandy loam, 1 to 12 percent slopes, rocky | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountainburg stony fine sandy loam, 12 to 40 percent slopes, rocky | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spadra loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enders-Mountainburg association, steep | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enders stony fine sandy loam, 12 to 45 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 14K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Nella-Enders complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nella-Mountainburg association, rolling | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Enders-Mountainburg association, rolling | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountainburg gravelly fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cane loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linker-Mountainburg association, gently rolling | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Taft silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nella gravelly fine sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 91% 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 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.