Randolph County, Arkansas
The most common soil here is Gepp, on about 24% of the land: a very gravelly silt loam, smooth, like flour. Captina and Doniphan come next.
About 58% of the land drains well, and 18% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 29% of it.
USDA rates 89% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 66% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 13% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 11% 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 Randolph 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 Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Randolph 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gepp very gravelly silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 56K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Captina silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 43K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gepp-Doniphan association, rolling | 31K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amagon silt loam | 19K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gepp-Ventris association, rolling | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashton silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bosket fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hontas silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peridge silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ventris-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Doniphan-Gepp association, undulating | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kobel silty clay loam | 13K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gepp very gravelly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Doniphan gravelly silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| McCrory fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Razort silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brocket gravelly fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Loring silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, west | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gepp-Ventris association, steep | 10K | Well 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 66% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 89% 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.