Hale County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Hale County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luverne-Smithdale complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urbo-Mooreville-Una complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 36K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne-Smithdale complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sucarnoochee silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie, Kinston and Iuka soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sumter silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kipling clay loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bibb-Iuka complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 16K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 15K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bama fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Sumter silty clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Columbus loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Maubila-Smithdale complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vaiden clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lucedale fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Cahaba fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Savannah silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Demopolis-Sumter complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 60% 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 85% 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.