Scott County, Mississippi

Survey Area MS123• Mississippi

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Scott 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
Rosebloom and Arkabutla soils, frequently flooded	34K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kipling silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	33K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Louin silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	29K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Savannah fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	28K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Urbo silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, blackland prairie	23K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ichusa silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	22K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Falkner silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	20K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Adaton silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	18K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Savannah fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	18K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Kipling silty clay loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	18K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	17K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Houlka silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	14K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ora fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	11K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, eroded	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Freest fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Quitman loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Mantachie fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Jena-Kirkville-Kinston complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes, frequently flooded	8K	Well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sweatman fine sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded	7K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Falkner silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	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.

Vertisols

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

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 93% 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. 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.