Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dickson silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 79K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bodine gravelly silt loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 70K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Saffell and Bodine soils, steep | 46K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 37K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Dewey silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Decatur silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lobelville cherty silt loam | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dickson silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lee cherty silt loam | 12K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saffell gravelly fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pruitton silt loam | 10K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dickson silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grasmere silty clay loam | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Guthrie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dewey silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dewey silty clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Etowah silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 60% 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 64% 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.