Lawrence County, Alabama
The most common soil here is Muskingum (Gorgas), on about 15% of the land. Wynnville and Colbert come next.
About 58% of the land drains well, and 19% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 28% of it.
USDA rates 76% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 71% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 29% of it.
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 Lawrence 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 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 Lawrence 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muskingum (Gorgas) stony fine sandy loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 79K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wynnville fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 23K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ketona silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally ponded | 20K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Etowah loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Decatur silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 16K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rockland, limestone, steep | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wynnville fine sandy loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enders loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Prader silt loam | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colbert silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ooltewah silt loam | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hollywood silty clay | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Abernathy-Emory silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talbott silty clay loam, eroded, undulating phase | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cumberland loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lindside silty clay loam | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dunning silty clay | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cumberland loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Melvin silt loam | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 71% 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 76% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.