St. Francis County, Arkansas
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 St. Francis County, Arkansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alligator and Sharkey clays, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 86K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Henry silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 54K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calloway silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 35K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zachary silt loam | 26K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Earle clay, gently undulating | 22K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arkabutla silt loam | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Earle clay, undulating | 19K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, west | 15K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calloway silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alligator and Sharkey clays, gently undulating | 8K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hillemann silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Loring silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, west | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crowley silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calhoun silt loam | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Earle clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee fine sandy loam, gently undulating | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring and Memphis silt loams, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring and Memphis silt loams, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 98% 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 98% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.