Dallas County, Alabama

Survey Area AL047• Alabama

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Dallas 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-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

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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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.