Choctaw County, Alabama
The most common soil here is Luverne, on about 19% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Smithdale and Arundel come next.
About 69% of the land drains well, and 17% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 31% of it.
USDA rates 90% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 69% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 20% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 12% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Choctaw County, Alabama, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Choctaw 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boykin-Luverne-Smithdale complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 83K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arundel-Cantuche complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, stony | 55K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 50K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bibb-Iuka complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 37K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Izagora fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 33K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urbo-Mooreville-Una complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 30K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale loamy fine sand, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ochlockonee, Kinston, and Iuka soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brantley-Okeelala complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Savannah silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Savannah silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Brantley-Okeelala complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCrory-Deerford complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lenoir silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arundel-Williamsville complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Una clay, ponded | 5K | Poorly 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 69% 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 90% 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.