Chilton 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 Chilton County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talladega channery silt loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boykin-Smithdale-Flomaton complex, gravelly, 10 to 35 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tallapoosa-Madison association, steep | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne-Boswell complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myatt-Bibb association, level | 26K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saffell very gravelly sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Luverne fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ruston fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ruston-Shubuta-Troup association, steep | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne-Boswell complex, 10 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ruston-Shubuta-Troup association, hilly | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talladega channery silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saffell gravelly sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ruston fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ora sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tatum gravelly loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Luverne fine sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Madison gravelly loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| McLaurin sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison gravelly loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 86% 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.