Morgan County, Alabama

Survey Area AL103• Alabama

The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Morgan 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
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

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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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.