Marion County, Mississippi
The most common soil here is Smithdale, on about 23% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Ruston and Savannah come next.
About 64% of the land drains well, and 17% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 18% of it.
USDA rates 80% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 67% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 18% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Marion 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Marion 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 12 to 40 percent slopes | 81K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruston sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Savannah fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bibb silt loam, frequently flooded | 18K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stough fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Petal-Susquehanna association, rolling | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ruston sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Smithdale-Saffell-Lucy association, hilly | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cascilla-Chenneby association, frequently flooded | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Latonia sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cahaba fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Savannah fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jena-Nugent association, frequently flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Savannah fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Falkner-Benndale association, undulating | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Jena-Bigbee complex, frequently flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guyton silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Prentiss fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | 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 67% 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 80% 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.