Bibb County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Bibb County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maubila-Smithdale complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 49K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne-Smithdale complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Luverne-Smithdale complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bibb-Iuka complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 23K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sipsey-Nauvoo-Sunlight complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie, Kinston and Iuka soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sipsey-Nauvoo-Townley complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Maubila-Smithdale-Boykin complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bodine-Minvale complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Columbus loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bama fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Maubila flaggy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nauvoo sandy loam 2 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Conecuh-Luverne complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palmerdale and Brilliant soils, 6 to 45 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wadley-Smithdale-Boykin complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maubila-Smithdale complex, 35 to 45 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bodine very gravelly silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 59% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.