Limestone County, Alabama

Survey Area AL083• Alabama

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 Limestone 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
Bewleyville silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded	32K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Water	28K			Not rated	Not rated
Decatur silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	23K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Dickson silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	23K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Guthrie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	21K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dickson silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	18K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Melvin silt loam	17K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dewey silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	15K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Abernathy-Emory silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Dickson silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Baxter (Fullerton) gravelly silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	12K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Lobelville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	12K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Baxter cherty silt loam steep phase	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Baxter cherty silt loam hilly phase	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lawrence silt loam	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Baxter cherty silt loam eroded hilly phase	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Decatur silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Baxter (Fullerton) gravelly silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Sango silt loam	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lindside silt loam	5K	Somewhat 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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 57% 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 57% 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.