Pope County, Arkansas

Survey Area AR115• Arkansas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Pope 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
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

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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

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.