Pickens County, Alabama
The most common soil here is Smithdale, on about 24% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Luverne and Savannah come next.
About 64% of the land drains well, and 24% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 33% of it.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 75% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 28% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 1% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Pickens County, Alabama, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Pickens 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 loam, 2 to 6 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 |
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 75% 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.