Saline 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 Saline County, Arkansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnasaw-Townley association, steep | 148K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carnasaw-Townley-Pirum association, steep | 66K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carnasaw-Townley association, undulating | 40K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amy silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 25K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Savannah fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ouachita silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tiak silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amy silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zafra-Leadvale complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Caddo-Messer variants complex | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Savannah fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents | 6K | Well drained | C | Not rated | Not rated |
| Saffell gravelly fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Leadvale silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amy-Gurdon complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, mounded | 3K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Urban land complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Avilla silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Smithdale loamy sand, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 85% 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 92% 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.