Tunica County, Mississippi

Survey Area MS143• Mississippi

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 Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Tunica 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
Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded, south	106K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	27K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Newellton-Tunica complex, undulating, frequently flooded	21K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tensas silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	18K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	18K			Not rated	Not rated
Dundee silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	14K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Alligator clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded, east	11K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Keyespoint silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey clay, ponded	9K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Teksob very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Askew-Tensas-Openlake complex, undulating	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Commerce silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Commerce silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Pits and Aquepts, frequently flooded	5K			Very limited	Very limited
Askew very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Robinsonville very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Dubbs silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Miscellaneous water	3K			Not rated	Not rated
Crevasse and Riverwash soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	3K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Bruin and Newellton soils, undulating, frequently flooded	3K	Moderately well 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.

Entisols

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

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.

Alfisols

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

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 92% 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 92% 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.