Forrest County, Mississippi
The most common soil here is McLaurin, on about 16% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Heidel and Benndale come next.
About 65% of the land drains well, and 15% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 16% of it.
USDA rates 66% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 55% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 16% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Forrest 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Forrest 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heidel sandy loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| McLaurin-Benndale association, rolling | 41K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| McLaurin loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Prentiss loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Petal-Susquehanna-Benndale association, rolling | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poarch-Saucier association, undulating | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Jena-Nugent association, frequently flooded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pamlico-Dorovan association (croatan-dorovan) | 11K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latonia-Trebloc association, occasionally flooded | 10K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benndale fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bassfield fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Susquehanna silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trebloc silt loam | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benndale fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Poarch fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bibb silt loam | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bibb and Jena soils, frequently flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benndale fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Prentiss-Urban land complex | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated |
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 55% 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 66% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.