Holmes County, Mississippi
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.