Jackson County, Alabama

Survey Area AL071• Alabama

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Jackson 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
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

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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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.