Perry County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Perry County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luverne-Smithdale complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 98K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Maubila-Smithdale complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 36K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie, Kinston and Iuka soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 30K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vaiden clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sucarnoochee silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Okolona silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kipling clay loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vaiden clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Luverne-Smithdale complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Annemaine silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myatt fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cahaba sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sumter silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sumter-Oktibbeha complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ochlockonee-Riverview complex, gently undulating, frequently flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sumter silty clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Saffell gravelly sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 72% 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 100% 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.