Butler 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 Butler County, Alabama.
| 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 |
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.