Union County, Mississippi
The most common soil here is Smithdale, on about 24% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Providence and Mantachie come next.
About 54% of the land drains well, and 26% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 42% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 93% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 19% 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 Union 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Union 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 association, hilly | 39K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Sweatman-Providence association, 12 to 35 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arkabutla silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jena silt loam | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Sweatman association hilly | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence silt loam 5 to 8 percent slopes eroded | 13K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded, north | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 12 to 40 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tippah silt loam 5 to 8 percent slopes eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atwood silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sweatman-Providence-Smithdale complex 12 to 17 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tippah silt loam 8 to 12 percent slopes eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bude silt loam | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atwood silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Oktibbeha-Sweatman-Smithdale complex 12 to 20 percent slopes eroded | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talla silt loam | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Falkner silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tippah silt loam 2 to 5 percent slopes eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | 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 93% 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 99% 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.