Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi

Survey Area MS065• Mississippi

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Davis 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
Smithdale sandy loam, 17 to 40 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ruston sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	40K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ora sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	25K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Smithdale sandy loam, 12 to 17 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Kirkville and Mantachie soils, frequently flooded	12K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ruston sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Savannah silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Jena sandy loam	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Falkner and Cadeville soils, 5 to 12 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bibb and Mantachie soils, frequently flooded	9K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ruston sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes (smithdale)	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Smithdale soils, 15 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ruston sandy loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Falkner and Cadeville soils, 2 to 5 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ora sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Providence silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cadeville-Freestone association, hilly	5K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ruston and Bassfield soils, low terrace, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ruston sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded (smithdale)	3K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
McLaurin sandy loam, 12 to 17 percent slopes (heidel)	3K	Well drained	B	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.

Ultisols

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

Alfisols

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

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 56% 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 74% 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.