Harrison County, Mississippi
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 46% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 87% 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.