Monroe County, Mississippi

Survey Area MS095• Mississippi

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly 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 Monroe 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-Luverne-Maubila complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	69K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Mantachie-Kinston-Kirkville complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	41K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Myatt fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	25K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Alluvial land	19K	Moderately well drained		Very limited	Very limited
Okolona silty clay, 2 to 5 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mantachie soils	18K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kipling silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	15K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Stough fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	15K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kipling silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded	15K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ruston and Luverne soils, 17 to 45 percent slopes (smithdale and luverne)	13K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Griffith silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Catalpa silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	11K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Prentiss fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	10K			Not rated	Not rated
Ora loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded	10K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Leeper silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Houlka silty clay	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Savannah fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ruston and Cuthbert soils, 12 to 17 percent slopes, eroded (smithdale and sweatman)	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Okolona silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	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.

Alfisols

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

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.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 96% 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. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.