Jefferson County, Mississippi

Survey Area MS063• 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 Jefferson 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
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

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.

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.

Ultisols

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

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.