Smith County, Mississippi
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Smith County, Mississippi.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Savannah fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 42K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ruston fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Stough fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruston fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Savannah fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sweatman fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Trebloc silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 14K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quitman fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Heidel sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kirkville fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jena fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sweatman fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urbo clay loam, occasionally flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bibb fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sweatman fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Boswell loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ichusa silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 67% 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 85% 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.