Van Buren County, Arkansas

Survey Area AR141• 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 Van Buren 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
Steprock-Mountainburg-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	56K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Steprock-Linker complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes	50K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Enders-Steprock complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes	46K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Steprock-Mountainburg complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Enders-Nella-Steprock complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes	41K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Enders-Steprock complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Steprock-Mountainburg complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Enders-Nella-Steprock complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kenn-Ceda complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	20K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Enders gravelly fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Steprock-Nella-Mountainburg complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Linker gravelly fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Enders gravelly fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Linker-Mountainburg gravelly fine sandy loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	8K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Nella-Steprock complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Nauvoo fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Spadra loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Linker-Mountainburg complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cane loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very 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.

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 63% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 96% 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.