Madison County, Mississippi
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Madison County, Mississippi.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loring silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded, central | 52K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ariel silt loam | 49K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded, central | 34K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 32K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Providence association, hilly | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oaklimeter silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, north | 28K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 23K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oaklimeter-Ariel-Gillsburg association | 22K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gillsburg silt loam | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 16K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Columbus-Daleville association | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence-Lexington complex, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Providence complex, 12 to 17 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Byram silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded, central | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Byram silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence-Lexington complex, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riedtown silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 95% 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 95% 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.