Tishomingo County, Mississippi

Survey Area MS141• 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 Tishomingo 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-Ruston association, 5 to 35 percent slopes	137K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Saffell-Smithdale association, hilly	27K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Mantachie loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	26K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ruston sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	16K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Water	13K			Not rated	Not rated
Savannah silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ora loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	11K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Smithdale sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Kirkville loam	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents, loamy	4K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Jena silt loam	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ora loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	2K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Quitman fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	1K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ruston sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	1K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ora loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	1K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Savannah silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	920	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Paden silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	766	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Pits	449			Very limited	Very limited
Guyton silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	407	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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 78% 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 89% 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.