Amite County, Mississippi

Survey Area MS005• Mississippi

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Amite County, Mississippi. 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
Providence silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	107K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gillsburg silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	43K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale sandy loam, 12 to 35 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ariel silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	38K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Providence silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes	37K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ora loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	29K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ruston sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Susquehanna-Smithdale association, hilly	18K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ora loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes	16K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Peoria silt loam	14K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Saffell gravelly sandy loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Bude silt loam	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ruston sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Smithdale sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Providence silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded	6K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ruston sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Collins silt loam	3K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Providence silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, severely eroded	3K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ora loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded	2K	Moderately well drained	C/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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

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 83% 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 92% 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.