Pontotoc 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 Pontotoc County, Mississippi.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tippah-Providence-Wilcox association, hilly | 34K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oktibbeha-Ruston association, hilly (oktibbeha, smithdale) | 26K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arkabutla silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence-Gullied land complex, 17 to 30 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 12 to 40 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urbo silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Falkner silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mayhew silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atwood silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Marietta loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mayhew silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence silt loam, heavy substratum, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded (dulac) | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cascilla silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atwood silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Providence silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frizzell silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie sandy loam | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Falaya soils (gillsburg) | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% 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.