Autauga County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Autauga County, Alabama.
| 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 |
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.