Holmes County, Mississippi

Survey Area MS051• Mississippi

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Holmes 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
Smithdale-Providence association, 8 to 45 percent slopes	45K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Collins silt loam, occasionally flooded	39K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Memphis-Natchez association, 12 to 50 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Memphis silt loam, 12 to 40 percent slopes, eroded	31K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Memphis silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded	30K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Memphis silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	28K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Morganfield silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	23K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Dubbs silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	18K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Alligator silty clay loam, occasionally flooded	18K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Loring silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded, central	17K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dundee silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	16K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Alligator silty clay, occasionally flooded	16K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Loring silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded, central	12K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tensas silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Oaklimeter silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, north	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	10K			Not rated	Not rated
Loring silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded, central	9K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dowling clay, frequently flooded	8K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Loring silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded	8K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Providence silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded	7K	Moderately well drained	C/D	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.

Entisols

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

Ultisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 82% 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 77% 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.