Pulaski County, Arkansas
The most common soil here is Carnasaw, on about 14% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Leadvale and Mountainburg come next.
About 58% of the land drains well, and 21% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 28% of it.
USDA rates 79% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 79% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 31% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Pulaski County, Arkansas, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Pulaski 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnasaw-Mountainburg association, steep | 64K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Perry clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 33K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linker-Mountainburg association, 12 to 25 percent slopes, rocky | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 27K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Carnasaw-Mountainburg association, undulating | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leadvale silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norwood silty clay loam | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Linker gravelly fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keo silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rilla silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Guthrie-Leadvale complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leadvale silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 14K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Amy silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carnasaw-Urban land complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leadvale-Urban land complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moreland silty clay | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bruno fine sandy loam | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Urban land complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wrightsville silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | D | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 79% 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 79% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.