Montgomery County, Alabama
The most common soil here is Sumter, on about 9% of the land: a silty clay, smooth and very sticky when wet. Boswell and Oktibbeha come next.
About 34% of the land drains well, and 38% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 44% of it.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 75% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 29% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 13% of it.
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 Montgomery 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 Somewhat poorly 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 Montgomery 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mantachie, Kinston and Iuka soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sumter clay, eroded, nearly level phase | 20K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Leeper silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tuscumbia clay loam | 17K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boswell clay loam, severely eroded, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faunsdale clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pits and Udorthents, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | Not limited | Very limited | |
| Una clay | 14K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cuthbert, Lakeland, and Boswell soils eroded, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sumter clay, severely eroded, very gently sloping phase | 13K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Boswell clay loam, severely eroded, gently sloping phase | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie soils | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oktibbeha clay, severely eroded, gently sloping phase | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wickham fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Izagora fine sandy loam, level phase | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roanoke silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slope, occasionally flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kipling clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oktibbeha clay, eroded, nearly level phase | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sucarnoochee silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mixed local alluvial land | 7K | Moderately well 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 75% 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 94% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.