Kemper County, Mississippi
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Kemper County, Mississippi.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilcox silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 39K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sweatman fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 30K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sweatman fine sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mooreville, Mantachie and Kinston soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 27K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sweatman fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 24K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, hilly, 8 to 35 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houlka silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 12 to 17 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruston fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 20K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sweatman-Smithdale association, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 17 to 35 percent slopes, severely eroded | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilcox-Sweatman association, 8 to 17 percent slopes, severely eroded | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quitman-Stough association, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sweatman-Smithdale association, 12 to 40 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Ruston association, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Savannah fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sweatman fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 70% 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 94% 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.