Marengo County, Alabama

Survey Area AL091• Alabama

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Marengo 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
Smithdale-Boykin-Luverne complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	51K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Sucarnoochee silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	36K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Luverne sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	35K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Mooreville, Mantachie and Kinston soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	29K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wilcox clay, 1 to 5 percent slopes	27K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Urbo-Mooreville-Una complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	27K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Houlka silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	25K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Boykin-Wadley complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale loamy sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Oktibbeha clay loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	17K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Consul clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	16K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bibb-Iuka complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	16K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Izagora sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	15K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Demopolis silty clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wilcox clay, 5 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	14K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bama fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Halso fine sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Brantley-Okeelala complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, eroded	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Luverne sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Not 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.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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 96% 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.