Pickens County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Pickens County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithdale-Luverne-Maubila complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 195K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie-Kinston-Kirkville complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 73K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 52K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Luverne-Smithdale complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Luverne sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Savannah loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Savannah loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents silt loam, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 19K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bama sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Urbo-Mooreville-Una complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cahaba sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Vaiden silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sucarnoochee silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Columbus loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ochlockonee-Kinston-Iuka complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vaiden silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bigbee loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lucedale loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Myatt-Columbus complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 73% 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 94% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.