Perry County, Alabama

Survey Area AL105• Alabama

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Perry 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
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

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.

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.

Alfisols

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

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.