Clay County, Mississippi
The most common soil here is Leeper, on about 12% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Kipling and Ora come next.
About 13% of the land drains well, and 57% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 30% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 92% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 34% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 4% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Clay County, Mississippi, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Clay 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 92% 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 98% 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.