Winston County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Winston County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sipsey-Bankhead complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 114K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sipsey-Nauvoo-Hartsells fine sandy loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 66K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bankhead-Rock outcrop-Leesburg complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 59K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wynnville-Hartsells complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wynnville and Albertville soils, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sipsey-Albertville-Townley complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brilliant extremely channery sandy loam, 6 to 45 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bankhead fine sandy loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes, rocky | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Albertville-Sipsey complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kirkville sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Savannah-Smithdale complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nauvoo fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mooreville, frequently flooded-Spadra, occasionally flooded complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sunlight-Townley complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitwell-Swafford complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Townley silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents-Urban land complex | 2K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Albertville loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Savannah-Smithdale complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 68% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.