Dallas County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Dallas County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luverne-Greenville association, hilly | 49K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Troup-Kipling association, hilly | 43K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leeper silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 36K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Savannah fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 30K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minter loam | 28K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canton Bend fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kipling loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mashulaville fine sandy loam | 24K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Savannah fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oktibbeha clay, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie loam | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vaiden clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sumter silty clay, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gaylesville loam | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quitman fine sandy loam | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oktibbeha clay, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kipling loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houston clay, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bigbee sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 97% 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 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.