Clay County, Mississippi

Survey Area MS025• Mississippi

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.

Ultisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

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.

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.