Jackson County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Jackson County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limestone rockland rough | 121K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rough stony land, Muskingum soil material | 84K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nauvoo fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wynnville-Nauvoo fine sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 37K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 37K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Muskingum (Gorgas) stony fine sandy loam, 10 to 20 percent slopes, very stony | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, shallow | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muskingum (Gorgas) fine sandy loam, 10 to 20 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Limestone rockland, hilly | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Melvin silty clay loam | 14K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells-Nauvoo complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palmerdale soils, hilly | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Melvin silt loam | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muskingum (Gorgas) stony fine sandy loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rolling stony land, Colbert soil material | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wynnville fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Philo-Atkins silt loams | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rolling stony land, Muskingum soil material | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindside silt loam | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, shallow | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very 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 84% 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.