NATURAL RESOURCES:
Soils

As can be seen in the state map, Ridgeland rests on a narrow band of thin Loess soils on high land between the Delta and the Upper Coastal Plain. Immediately to the east and currently covered by the Ross Barnett Reservior is a band of Blackland soils that stretch across the state into Alabama. It is interesting to note that early railroad engineers selected this same strip of land upon which to construct the main line between Memphis and New Orleans.

The soils in the Ridgeland area fall into four main groups:

Cascilla-Calhoun - Nearly level, well drained and poorly drained silty soils on flood plains and stream terraces.

This soil-type is part of the “Blacklands” soils that are in the Pearl River basin and are very low and subject to flooding. These soil areas are poorly suited for urban type development.

Byram Silt Loams - Gently sloping to strongly sloping, moderately well drained silty soils on uplands and stream terraces.

This soil-type is characteristic of generally sloping soils and drainage ways with high shrink-swell in the subsoil and are only moderately suited for urban-type development. This soil-type attracted early settlers and provided the base for crops and pastureland.

Loring Silt Loams - Gently sloping to moderately steep, moderately well drained silty soilson uplands and stream terraces.

This soil-type is very similar to the Byram Silt Loams, this association is also moderately sloping and well suited for row crops and pasture. Predominantly found in the western parts of the city and the Additional Study Area, the most serious limitation to these soil areas is the low strength for roadway construction.

Smithdale-Providence - Gently sloping to steep, well drained loamy on upland ridgetops and side slopes.

This soil type is located only in the Additional Study Area. These soil areas are more steeply sloping and also have serious limitations due to strength. Furthermore, steep slopes and erosion make it unsuitable for cropland.

The Loring and Byram soils are the most stable for continued development, followed by the Smithdale-Providence. The Cascilla-Calhoun is the least desireable soils for further development stability.