Dale County, Alabama
The most common soil here is Blanton, on about 12% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Eustis and Osier come next.
About 79% of the land drains well, and 17% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 17% of it.
USDA rates 66% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 34% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 13% 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 Dale 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 Somewhat excessively 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 Dale 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blanton-Bonifay complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 42K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sandy alluvial land, poorly drained | 36K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eustis loamy sand, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Blanton loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lakeland and Cuthbert soils, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shubuta and Angie very fine sandy loams, eroded, gently sloping | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Eustis loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Huckabee loamy fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cuthbert, Boswell, and Eustis soils, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruston fine sandy loam, eroded, very gently sloping | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Norfolk loamy sand, very gently sloping, thick surface | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shubuta and Angie very fine sandy loams, eroded, very gently sloping | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Izagora very fine sandy loam, level | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shubuta and Angie very fine sandy loams, eroded, sloping | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cuthbert fine sandy loam, eroded, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gullied land | 6K | Well drained | Somewhat limited | Very limited | |
| Eustis loamy sand, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myatt very fine sandy loam | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruston fine sandy loam, eroded, gently sloping | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Red Bay fine sandy loam, eroded, very gently sloping | 5K | Well drained | B | Not 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 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 66% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.