Lee County, Mississippi
The most common soil here is Oktibbeha, on about 11% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Ora and Luverne come next.
About 21% of the land drains well, and 27% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 44% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 90% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 31% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 6% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Lee County, Mississippi, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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 Lee 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mantachie fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marietta loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 20K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oktibbeha silty clay, 5 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cahaba and Ruston fine sandy loams, 17 to 30 percent slopes (smithdale, smithdale) | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leeper silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne and Cahaba soils, 17 to 30 percent slopes (luverne, smithdale) | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oktibbeha and Sumter soils, 8 to 17 percent slopes, severely eroded | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gullied land-Ora complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 11K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Luverne and Ruston soils, 12 to 17 percent slopes, eroded (luverne, smithdale) | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Prentiss fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Commerce silt loam (belden) | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quitman silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes (stough) | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Luverne fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kinston fine sandy loam | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oktibbeha silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leeper fine sandy loam | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 90% 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 97% 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.