Washington County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Washington County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bibb, Johnston and Kinston soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 75K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atmore fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 41K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urbo-Mooreville-Una complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 36K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maubila-Olla-Rattlesnake Forks complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 28K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poarch loamy fine sand, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Smithton, Daleville and Bethera soils, occasionally ponded, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fruitdale-Toinette-Rutan complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Atmore fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Malbis fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Malbis fine sandy loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Poarch loamy fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Escambia fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rutan sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rutan sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chatom-Toinette-Rutan complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rattlesnake Forks-Blanton complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fruitdale sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Brantley-Okeelala complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Irvington fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maubila-Olla-Rattlesnake Forks complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% 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 97% 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.