Marion County, Mississippi

Survey Area MS091• Mississippi

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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 66% 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 79% 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.