Sebastian County, Arkansas

Survey Area AR131• 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 Sebastian 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
Enders-Mountainburg complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes	50K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Leadvale silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	44K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Leadvale silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	43K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Enders-Mountainburg complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Taft silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	28K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Mountainburg sandy loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mountainburg stony sandy loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cane fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	17K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wrightsville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	11K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Enders stony silt loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	7K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Linker fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wrightsville-Messer silt loams complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	7K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mountainburg stony sandy loam, 12 to 35 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Crevasse soils	6K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Severn silt loam	4K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Barling silt loam	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Muskogee silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pits, quarry	3K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Sallisaw stony loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat 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.

Alfisols

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

Mollisols

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

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 86% 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 95% 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.