Monroe 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 Monroe County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saffell-Lucy (flomaton) complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 104K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iuka and Mantachie soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 51K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne sandy loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Malbis fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Saffell very gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bibb loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 38K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arundel loam, 8 to 35 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bama fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Bama sandy loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Beatrice silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Malbis loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urbo silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lucedale loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Luverne sandy loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chrysler silt loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lucy loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lucy-Troup loamy sands, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Malbis fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Escambia very fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Halso sandy loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% 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 85% 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.