Lee County, Mississippi
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 92% 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 100% 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.