Jefferson Davis 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 Davis County, Mississippi.
| 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 |
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.