Benton County, Mississippi

Survey Area MS009• Mississippi

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Benton 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 and Toinette soils, 20 to 45 percent slopes	76K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale-Sweatman-Providence association, 12 to 35 percent slopes	47K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents-Lexington complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded	33K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Gillsburg silt loam	15K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ariel silt loam	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lexington silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Providence silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded	9K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale-Lexington complex, 12 to 17 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Providence silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Arkabutla silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Providence silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	6K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Jena and Ochlockonee soils	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Oaklimeter silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, north	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lexington silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Loring silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Calhoun silt loam	3K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Grenada silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	2K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	2K			Not rated	Not rated
Calloway silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	2K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mantachie and Kirkville soils	2K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/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.

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.

Ultisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 93% 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.