Clarke County, Alabama

Survey Area AL025• Alabama

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Clarke 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
Urbo-Mooreville-Una complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	71K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wadley-Smithdale complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	66K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Iuka, Bibb, and Mantachie soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	57K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Okeelala-Brantley complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	56K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Maubila-Wadley-Smithdale complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes	50K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Luverne sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes	48K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale-Boykin complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes	44K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Smithdale-Boykin complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes	44K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Arundel-Cantuche complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Luverne sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Bama fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Flomaton-Smithdale-Wadley complex, 10 to 25 percent slopes	22K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Prim-Suggsville-Watsonia complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Brantley-Okeelala complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Brantley-Okeelala complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Luverne sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Arundel-Cantuche complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	14K			Not rated	Not rated
Una clay, ponded	14K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Olla-Maubila complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Not 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.

Alfisols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 70% 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 81% 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.