Copiah County, Mississippi

Survey Area MS029• Mississippi

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Copiah 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
Providence silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	68K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lorman-Smithdale association, hilly	49K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gillsburg silt loam	49K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale sandy loam, 17 to 40 percent slopes	37K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Loring silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded	27K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Oaklimeter silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, south	26K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale sandy loam, 12 to 17 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ariel silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	22K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Providence silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	22K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale-Lexington association hilly	21K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Kolin silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	15K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Loring silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	14K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Guyton silt loam	12K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lorman fine sandy loam, 12 to 35 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Saffell gravelly sandy loam, 17 to 40 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Kolin silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bude silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Columbus silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bruno sandy loam	6K	Excessively drained	A	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.

Ultisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 97% 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 100% 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.