Union County, Arkansas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well 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 Union County, Arkansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sacul-Sawyer complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 177K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Guyton silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 104K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Warnock-Smithdale complex, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 44K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harleston fine sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 29K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sacul-Sawyer complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sacul fine sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Una silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 24K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sawyer very fine sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bibb fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 22K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amy silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 21K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithton fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sacul fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosalie-Warnock complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Warnock fine sandy loam, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Una silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, ponded | 15K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sacul fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Darden loamy fine sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | D | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 43% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
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.