Limestone 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 Limestone County, Alabama.
| 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 |
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.