Pike 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 Pike County, Mississippi.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ora fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 39K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Savannah silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 30K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora-Ruston complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 22K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Falaya silt loam | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 12 to 17 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookhaven silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded (bude) | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cahaba fine sandy loam, 17 to 35 percent slopes (smithdale) | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie fine sandy loam | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waverly silt loam | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruston fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded (smithdale) | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Saffell gravelly fine sandy loam, 17 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora-Ruston complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ora fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Stough silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iuka and Ochlockonee soils | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collins silt loam | 5K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collins silt loam, local alluvium | 5K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saffell gravelly fine sandy loam, 8 to 17 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 56% 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 100% 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.