Marshall County, Mississippi
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Marshall County, Mississippi.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gullied land-Cahaba complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes (smithdale) | 71K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Gullied land-Loring complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 47K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Loring silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded, central | 35K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cahaba-Providence complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded (smithdale, providence) | 32K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cahaba and Lexington soils, 12 to 30 percent slopes (smithdale, lexington) | 31K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vicksburg silt loam | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded, central | 20K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence-Cahaba complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes (providence, smithdale) | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cascilla silt loam | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Collins-Arkabutla-Falaya association | 11K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vicksburg and Ochlockonee soils | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Falaya silt loam | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne-Susquehanna association, hilly (sweatman, susquehanna) | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence-Cahaba association, hilly (providence, smithdale) | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence silt loam, 8 to 12 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 |
| Cahaba-Lexington association, hilly (smithdale, lexington) | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arkabutla silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arkabutla-Rosebloom association | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 100% 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 96% 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.