Itawamba 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 Itawamba County, Mississippi.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithdale-Ruston association, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 94K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Luverne association, 12 to 35 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 50K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 8 to 17 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Savannah loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne fine sandy loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kirkville-Mantachie association | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jena-Kirkville association | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kirkville, Mantachie and Mooreville soils | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lexington silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Luverne fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Luverne fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Marietta loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leeper silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pheba silt loam | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mathiston silt loam | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% 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 98% 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.