Barbour County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Barbour County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luverne-Springhill complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cowarts-Maubila complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, flaggy | 43K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iuka-Bibb complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 35K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Springhill-Nankin complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie, Kinston and Iuka soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 32K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cowarts loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 28K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nankin-Lucy complex, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Springhill loamy sand 5 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nankin-Lucy complex, 12 to 35 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dothan fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cowarts-Maubila Complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, flaggy | 18K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lucy loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blanton-Bonneau complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Springhill-Lucy complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Luverne sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lucy loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Conecuh sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 48% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 77% 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.