Coffee County, Alabama
The most common soil here is Orangeburg, on about 23% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Luverne and Troup come next.
About 83% of the land drains well, and 7% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 8% of it.
USDA rates 59% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 44% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 12% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Coffee 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 Coffee 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luverne-Lucy association, rolling | 108K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg-Troup association, undulating | 42K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Orangeburg sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Bibb fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 20K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Red Bay loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Shadygrove-Luverne association, rolling | 20K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Red Bay loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Eunola loamy sand | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dothan fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lucy loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Troup-Lucy association, hilly | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Troup loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bladen fine sandy loam | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalmia fine sandy loam | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Troup loamy sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Dothan fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Lucy loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Troup-Orangeburg loamy sands, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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 44% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 59% 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.