Harrison County, Mississippi
The most common soil here is Poarch, on about 24% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Smithton and Harleston come next.
About 47% of the land drains well, and 28% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 41% of it.
USDA rates 86% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 47% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 21% 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 Harrison 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 Harrison 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poarch fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 73K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ponzer and Smithton soils | 27K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithton fine sandy loam | 26K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saucier, Smithton, and Susquehanna soils, rolling | 21K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Poarch fine sandy loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Atmore silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruston fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Harleston fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harleston fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nugent and Jena soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 13K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saucier fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plummer loamy sand | 10K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wadley and Poarch soils, 8 to 17 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Latonia loamy sand | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ruston fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes (smithdale) | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Saucier-Susquehanna complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pactolus-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruston fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| McLaurin fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | 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 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 86% 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.