Pike County, Mississippi

Survey Area MS113• Mississippi

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Pike 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
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

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.

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

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

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.