Montgomery County, Alabama

Survey Area AL101• Alabama

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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Vertisols

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

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 80% 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 96% 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.