Lauderdale County, Alabama
The most common soil here is Dickson, on about 20% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Bodine and Saffell come next.
About 61% of the land drains well, and 4% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 23% of it.
USDA rates 64% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 61% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 13% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Lauderdale County, Alabama, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Lauderdale 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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
About 61% 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.