Alcorn County, Mississippi
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Alcorn County, Mississippi.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithdale-Ruston association, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruston-Shubuta-Linker association, hilly | 29K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gullied land-Ruston complex, 8 to 40 percent slopes-ruston, (smithdale) | 26K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Arkabutla silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded | 22K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora fine sandy loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 22K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ruston-Linker association, hilly | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paden silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosebloom-Arkabutla association, frequently flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora-Shubuta complex, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bude silt loam | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wehadkee-Mantachie association, frequently flooded (wehadkee, kinston) | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Henry silt loam | 3K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wehadkee-Mantachie complex (wehadkee, kinston) | 2K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tippah-Providence complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence silt loam, heavy substratum, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded (dulac) | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Providence silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% 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 99% 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.