Lawrence County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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.
| 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 |
| Robertsville (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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 73% 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 78% 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.