Pickens County, Alabama

Survey Area AL107• Alabama

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 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

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.

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.