Lamar 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 Lamar County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithdale-Luverne-Maubila complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 135K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie-Kinston-Kirkville complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 54K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne-Smithdale complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 52K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Savannah loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pikeville-Flomaton complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bama loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Iuka-Mantachie complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Savannah loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Maubila flaggy fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Luverne-Maubila complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne loamy sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Savannah fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents silt loam, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Izagora fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 1K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 71% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 96% 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.