Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, Mississippi.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis-Natchez association, 12 to 50 percent slopes | 75K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Lexington association, hilly | 51K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lorman-Loring association hilly | 36K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Memphis-Morganfield association, hilly | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Memphis silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 22K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Falaya silt | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey association | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collins silt loam | 9K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Memphis silt loam 2 to 5 percent slopes eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Loring silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morganfield silt | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Memphis silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Deerford silt | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Memphis silt loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adler silt loam | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Memphis silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bruin-Robinsonville association | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Memphis silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 83% 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 83% 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.