Clarke 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 Clarke County, Mississippi.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bibb and Chastain fine sandy loams (bibb and una) | 42K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boswell, Shubuta, and Cuthbert fine sandy loams, 12 to 45 percent slopes (sweatman) | 33K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie, Bibb, and Iuka soils (kirkville, kinston, iuka) | 31K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 17 to 35 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 12 to 17 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wadley-Toinette-Smithdale association, 12 to 40 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Eutaw-Vaiden clays, deep (louin) | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stough fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bibb soils | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruston fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Shubuta fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Eustis loamy sand, terrace | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lauderdale-Eustis complex 12 to 45 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie soils, local alluvium | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shubuta fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ora fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mashulaville fine sandy loam, terrace | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 88% 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.