Clay County, Mississippi
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Clay County, Mississippi.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leeper silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 33K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Prentiss sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kipling silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belden silt loam | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Griffith silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Ruston association, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mathiston silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kipling silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Longview silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urbo silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, blackland prairie | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mayhew silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Okolona silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tuscumbia-Leeper association, frequently flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Longview silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kipling silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Stough sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
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 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.