Crenshaw County, Alabama
The most common soil here is Orangeburg, on about 10% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Springhill and Nankin come next.
About 75% of the land drains well, and 18% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 18% of it.
USDA rates 77% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 57% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 16% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 6% 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 Crenshaw 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 Crenshaw 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nankin-Springhill-Lucy complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 85K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie, Kinston and Iuka soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bibb-Iuka complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 25K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay loamy fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Arundel fine sandy loam, 8 to 35 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Springhill sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Troup loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Halso fine sandy loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lucy loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bonifay loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Pelham-Ocilla complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dothan sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Brantley sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Halso fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arundel fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay loamy fine sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Luverne sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 77% 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.