Greene County, Mississippi
The most common soil here is Lorman, on about 12% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. McLaurin and Susquehanna come next.
About 40% of the land drains well, and 23% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 36% of it.
USDA rates 83% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 68% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 19% 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 Greene 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 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 Greene 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lorman-Petal complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 37K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lorman-Freest-Susquehanna complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 34K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| McLaurin fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Malbis fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Heidel-Rutan complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Heidel-Rutan complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bibb-Iuka complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 18K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lorman fine sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bibb, Johnston and Kinston soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 14K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benndale fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Urbo-Mooreville-Una complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jena-Una-Mantachie complex, undulating, frequently flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Susquehanna fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bigbee loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stough fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maubila-Olla-Rattlesnake forks complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lorman-Petal complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lorman fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McLaurin fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat 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 68% 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 83% 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.