Simpson County, Mississippi

Survey Area MS127• Mississippi

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Simpson 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
Smithdale fine sandy loam, 12 to 40 percent slopes	62K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Savannah loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	33K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	33K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Petal and Smithdale soils, 15 to 35 percent slopes	26K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Petal and Smithdale soils, 8 to 15 percent slopes	20K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Quitman-Jena-Trebloc association, flooded	18K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ruston fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded	15K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Jena fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	14K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Savannah loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	14K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ruston fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	13K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ora loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Stough loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kirkville fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	9K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Quitman loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Providence silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	8K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ora loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Prentiss fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Providence silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	4K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Trebloc silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	4K	Poorly drained	C/D	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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 82% 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 92% 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.