Fayette County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Fayette County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithdale-Luverne association, 12 to 35 percent slopes | 98K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montevallo channery silt loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 71K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 21K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ruston-Cuthbert-Shubuta complex, 10 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie soils, local alluvium | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myatt silt loam | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stough loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruston fine sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bibb soils | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie-Kinston-Kirkville complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shubuta fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ruston-Cuthbert-Shubuta complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ruston-Cuthbert-Shubuta complex, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shubuta-Boswell complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enders loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ora fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Townley loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Savannah loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.