Pike County, Mississippi
The most common soil here is Ora, on about 26% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Smithdale and Savannah come next.
About 24% of the land drains well, and 19% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 39% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 57% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 22% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Pike County, Mississippi, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% 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 99% 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.