Limestone County, Alabama
The most common soil here is Dickson, on about 14% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Decatur and Fullerton come next.
About 55% of the land drains well, and 16% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 33% of it.
USDA rates 58% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 57% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 12% 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 Limestone 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 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 |
| Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 30 to 40 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lawrence silt loam | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 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.
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 58% 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.