Washington County, Mississippi
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.