Clarke County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Clarke County, Alabama.
| 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 |
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.