Sunflower County, Mississippi
The most common soil here is Forestdale, on about 24% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Alligator and Dowling come next.
About 4% of the land drains well, and 95% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 77% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 99% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 21% 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 Sunflower 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 Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Sunflower 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forestdale silt loam, 0.5 to 3 percent slopes | 58K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alligator clay, 0.5 to 3 percent slopes | 53K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dowling clay (sharkey) | 51K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 44K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dowling soils, overwash phases (sharkey) | 41K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Forestdale silty clay loam, 0.5 to 3 percent slopes | 41K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alligator silty clay, 0.5 to 3 percent slopes | 32K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee very fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alligator clay, 0 to 0.5 percent slopes | 21K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey clay, 0.5 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dubbs very fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Forestdale silty clay, 0.5 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Dundee silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey clay, 0 to 0.5 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alligator silty clay loam, 0.5 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dubbs silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, moderately eroded, rarely flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alligator clay, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alligator silty clay, 0 to 0.5 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 99% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.