Autauga County, Alabama

Survey Area AL001• Alabama

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Autauga County, Alabama. 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
Luverne-Smithdale complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	49K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Heidel-Wadley complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale-Maubila-Boykin complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Boykin-Smithdale-Flomaton complex, gravelly, 10 to 35 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Heidel-Wadley complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Blanton loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	17K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Myatt-Bibb association	16K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Lucedale fine sandy loam, 4 to 10 percent slopes, eroded	11K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Lucedale fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Not limited
Brantley-Okeelala complex, gravelly, 8 to 35 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale-Maubila-Boykin complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pine Flat sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Blanton-Rattlesnake Forks complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Harleston fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Roanoke complex	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rains fine sandy loam	7K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lucedale fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Not limited
McQueen silt loam	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Heidel-Wadley complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not 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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

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

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 62% 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 82% 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.