Woodruff County, Arkansas
The most common soil here is Kobel, on about 12% of the land: a silty clay, smooth and very sticky when wet. Tuckerman and Yancopin come next.
About 20% of the land drains well, and 69% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 73% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 81% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 29% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Woodruff County, Arkansas, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Woodruff 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kobel silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 25K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yancopin silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Foley-Bonn complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 20K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tuckerman silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 20K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Overcup silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 19K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCrory fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Henry silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kobel silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 14K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jackport silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tuckerman loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calhoun silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Askew fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bulltown loamy fine sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Teksob loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kobel silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, ponded | 10K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grubbs silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Teksob loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Yancopin silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wiville fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hillemann silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 81% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.