Attala County, Mississippi

Survey Area MS007• Mississippi

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Attala 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
Smithdale fine sandy loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes	76K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale-Sweatman complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, eroded	69K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Providence silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	43K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Oaklimeter silt loam, occasionally flooded	28K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Providence silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded	26K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Smithdale-Sweatman complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	24K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rosebloom-Arkabutla association, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	23K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mantachie loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	22K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kirkville loam, occasionally flooded	19K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gillsburg silt loam, occasionally flooded	18K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kinston loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	18K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ora loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	16K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Providence silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded	15K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Chenneby silt loam, frequently flooded	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sweatman loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sweatman loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Mantachie loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ariel silt loam, occasionally flooded	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tippah silt loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	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.

Alfisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 86% 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 100% 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.