Issaquena County, Mississippi

Survey Area MS055• Mississippi

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Issaquena 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
Sharkey and Dowling clays, frequently flooded (sharkey, sharkey)	104K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	40K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Alluvial land, frequently flooded	34K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	25K			Not rated	Not rated
Dowling clay, frequently flooded (sharkey)	17K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Commerce silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tunica clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	12K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pits, borrow	5K			Very limited	Very limited
Bowdre clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Commerce silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Commerce very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	2K	Somewhat poorly drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	2K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Berm	2K			Not rated	Not rated
Sharkey silt loam, overwash, 0 to 2 percent slopes	2K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Robinsonville very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Crevasse sandy loams and loamy sands, 0 to 3 percent slopes (bruno)	1K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Commerce silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	1K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Commerce silt loam, moderately shallow, 0 to 2 percent slopes	1K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Commerce silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, rarely flooded	1K	Somewhat poorly drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Tunica silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	798	Poorly 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.

Inceptisols

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

Vertisols

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

Entisols

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

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 90% 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 90% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.