Morgan County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Morgan County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wynnville fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 22K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Limestone rockland, rough | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 15K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Muskingum (Gorgas) stony fine sandy loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hollywood silty clay | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enders (Townley) loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Linker fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stony rough land, muskingum soil material | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Melvin silt loam | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waynesboro fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ooltewah silt loam | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wynnville fine sandy loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tupelo silt loam | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atkins silt loam | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pottsville shaly silt loam, steep | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindside silty clay loam | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muskingum (Gorgas) stony fine sandy loam, 10 to 20 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Philo-lindside soils, undifferentiated | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Robertsville (Ketona) silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally ponded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 83% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 87% 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.