Escambia County, Alabama
The most common soil here is Benndale, on about 15% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Orangeburg and Troup come next.
About 74% of the land drains well, and 24% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 24% of it.
USDA rates 42% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 35% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 17% 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 Escambia 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 B (moderate infiltration). 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 Escambia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benndale-Orangeburg complex, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 74K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bibb soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 70K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Troup fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 49K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Orangeburg fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Benndale fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Benndale-Orangeburg complex, moderately steep | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Troup fine sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Esto-Dothan-Wagram complex, sloping | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chewacla-Lenoir-Riverview association | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greenville fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Benndale fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Wagram loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Orangeburg fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Freemanville fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Poarch fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plummer loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes (albany) | 9K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Escambia fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plummer loamy sand, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dothan fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ruston very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | 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 35% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 42% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
Gardening & Agriculture
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.