Mobile County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Mobile County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wadley loamy fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 50K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wadley-Heidel complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 47K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Maubila-Olla-Rattlesnake Forks complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 47K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wadley-Heidel complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 39K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Johnston, Bibb and Pamlico soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 36K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 31K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Heidel fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Stallings (gulf)-Bayou complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Wadley-Heidel complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Benndale-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Johnston, Pamlico and Dorovan soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 16K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chatom-Toinette-Rutan complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wadley loamy fine sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Wadley-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Chowan-Maurepas-Levy complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 15K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benndale fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bama fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rattlesnake Forks-Blanton complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Heidel fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 39% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 58% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.