Sumter County, Alabama

Survey Area AL119• Alabama

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Sumter 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
Mooreville, Mantachie and Kinston soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	77K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Demopolis-Kipling complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded	73K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Luverne sandy loam, 5 to 25 percent slopes	69K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wilcox silty clay, 2 to 5 percent slopes	52K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Troup and Smithdale soils, 5 to 20 percent slopes	46K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Kipling silty clay loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	35K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sucarnoochee silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	32K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mayhew silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	26K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Annemaine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	26K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Savannah loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	21K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kipling loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	16K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Demopolis-Sumter complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Houlka silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale loamy sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Luverne sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Minter clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	9K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Escambia sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wilcox-Luverne complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cahaba sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Savannah loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	C/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.

Alfisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 88% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 91% 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.