Lafayette 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 Lafayette County, Mississippi.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithdale-Toinette association, 12 to 40 percent slopes | 89K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maben-Smithdale-Tippah association, hilly | 66K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 53K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 31K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Smithdale-Udorthents association, gullied | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenneby silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Udorthents complex, gullied | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arkabutla-Chenneby association, frequently flooded | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arkabutla silt loam, occasionally flooded | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lexington silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ochlockonee sandy loam, occasionally flooded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lexington silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lexington silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cascilla silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ochlockonee-Bruno association, frequently flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilcox-Tippah association, hilly | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oaklimeter silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, north | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded, central | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maben fine sandy loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 85% 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 92% 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.