Saline County, Arkansas

Survey Area AR125• Arkansas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Saline 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-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

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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

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

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.