Montgomery County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Montgomery County, Alabama.
| 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 |
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.