Blount County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Blount County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hector-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 45 percent slopes | 66K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montevallo-Townley complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 35K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells-Hector complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linker fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bodine cherty silt loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wynnville fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barfield-Rock outcrop complex | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells-Nauvoo complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Albertville silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Linker fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Townley silty clay loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hector-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamblen loam | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linker fine sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Albertville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nectar silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Palmerdale very channery silt loam, 2 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton cherty silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bodine gravelly silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% 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 98% 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.