Lowndes County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Lowndes County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leeper silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 48K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sumter-Hannon complex, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 36K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leeper-Marietta complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sumter-Hannon complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brantley-Smithdale complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sumter-Hannon complex, 12 to 35 percent slopes, severely eroded | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oktibbeha clay, 5 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sumter-Hannon complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lenoir silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sumter silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hannon-Sumter complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brantley sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sucarnoochee silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Annemaine fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brantley sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bama fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Freest fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne-Smithdale complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Searcy sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oktibbeha clay loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% 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 97% 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.