Union 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 Union County, Mississippi.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% 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 100% 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.