Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montevallo-Nauvoo association, 10 to 45 percent slopes | 168K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Luverne association, 12 to 35 percent slopes | 118K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Luverne complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Ruston association, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Luverne-Smithdale complex, 4 to 10 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nauvoo fine sandy loam, 4 to 10 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Smithdale-Pikeville association, hilly | 38K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iuka-Mantachie complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 37K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montevallo-Nauvoo complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bama fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Augusta-Amy complex, frequently flooded | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Flomaton complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adaton silt loam | 21K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palmerdale very shaly loam, 6 to 45 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruston fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ellisville silt loam, frequently flooded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Shatta silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 77% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 88% 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.