Franklin 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 Franklin County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock land, sandstone | 59K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pikeville-Flomaton complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Luverne-Maubila complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock land, limestone | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saffell very gravelly fine sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Savannah very fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 19K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Colbert silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Savannah very fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bibb loam | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ochlockonee fine sandy loam | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Iuka fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cuthbert fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes (luverne) | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Savannah very fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colbert silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindside silt loam (chenneby) | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mine pits and dumps | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Linker fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Decatur silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 84% 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 95% 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.