Houston County, Alabama
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 Houston 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dothan loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 79K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Troup-Bonifay complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 33K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Bibb, Osier, and Kinston soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 31K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nankin-Cowarts complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Dothan complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Fuquay loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Varina sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarendon loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pansey fine sandy loam, depressional | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Red Bay sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Troup-Lucy complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Faceville fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dorovan, Byars and Grady soils, ponded | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Grady-Byars complex, depressional | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Troup-Bonifay complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Mantachie, Iuka, and Kinston soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very 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
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 75% 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
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.