Washington County, Mississippi

Survey Area MS151• 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 Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Washington 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, 0.5 to 2 percent slopes	94K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dowling clay (sharkey), 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	49K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey clay, 0 to 0.5 percent slopes, rarely flooded	43K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Alluvial land, frequently flooded	31K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	30K			Not rated	Not rated
Bosket very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes (askew)	25K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Commerce silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	25K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Alligator clay, 0.5 to 2 percent slopes	25K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Commerce very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	20K	Somewhat poorly drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Forestdale silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	18K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tunica clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	16K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Forestdale silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	15K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dowling soils (sharkey), 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	11K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Alligator clay, 0 to 0.5 percent slopes	11K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Commerce silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Forestdale silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Borrow pits	6K			Very limited	Very limited
Swamp	5K	Very poorly drained		Very limited	Very limited
Alligator silty clay loam, 0.5 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	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.

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.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

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

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 93% 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.