Butler County, Alabama

Survey Area AL013• Alabama

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Butler 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
Mantachie, Bibb, and Iuka soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	56K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Luverne sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes	47K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Troup-Luverne-Smithdale complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	45K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Luverne sandy loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Orangeburg sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Rains-Bethera complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	33K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Halso fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	26K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Luverne sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Orangeburg sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Halso silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	17K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Arundel fine sandy loam, 8 to 35 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lynchburg sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	13K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Demopolis-Watsonia complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Troup-Alaga complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Eunola sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bonneau loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Greenville sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Greenville sandy clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Congaree loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Demopolis-Brantley complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very 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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 63% 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 86% 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.