Chambers County, Alabama
The most common soil here is Lloyd, on about 26% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Appling and Cecil come next.
About 85% of the land drains well, and 14% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 14% of it.
USDA rates 55% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 26% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 14% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 7% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Chambers County, Alabama, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Chambers County, Alabama. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandy alluvial land, poorly to somewhat poorly drained | 45K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lloyd gravelly clay loam, severely eroded, sloping | 41K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cecil gravelly clay loam, severely eroded, sloping | 28K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lloyd gravelly clay loam, severely eroded, strongly sloping | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Appling gravelly sandy loam, sloping | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gullied land | 19K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Appling gravelly sandy clay loam, severely eroded, sloping | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil gravelly clay loam, severely eroded, strongly sloping | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Appling gravelly sandy clay loam, severely eroded, stongly sloping | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil gravelly sandy loam, eroded, sloping | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison gravelly clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Appling gravelly sandy loam, strongly sloping | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison gravelly clay loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Appling gravelly sandy loam, gently sloping | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chewacla sandy loam | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lloyd clay loam, severely eroded, sloping | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lloyd gravelly clay loam, severely eroded, gently sloping | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lloyd gravelly sandy loam, eroded, sloping | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cecil gravelly sandy loam, eroded, strongly sloping | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lloyd stony sandy loam, strongly sloping | 4K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 26% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 55% 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.