Bama -- Alabama State Soil

Photograph of a landscape typical of Bama soils.

Photograph of a soil profile of a representative pedon of Bama soil series.

Bama Soil Profile

Surface layer: dark brown fine sandy loam
Subsurface layer: pale brown fine sandy loam
Subsoil: red clay loam and sandy clay loam

Bama soils are mainly in level to gently sloping areas on high terraces paralleling major river systems and on broad marine terraces. These very deep, well-drained, moderately permeable soils formed in thick deposits of loamy fluvial or marine sediments. The average annual precipitation is 56 to 64 inches. The average annual air temperature is 60 to 65 degrees F.

These soils make up more than 360,000 acres, mainly in the western and central parts of Alabama. They occur in 26 counties.

These soils are well suited to cultivated crops, pasture, hay, woodland, and most urban uses. Cotton and corn are the main cultivated crops. Some areas are used as woodland.

The Bama series was designated the official state soil of Alabama by the State Legislature on April 22, 1997.

Small scale map of Alabama showing distribution of Bama soil series.

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