Clay County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Clay County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison-Riverview association, hilly | 80K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison-Tallapoosa-Tusquitee association, steep | 66K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tatum-Chewacla association, hilly | 62K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tatum-Tallapoosa-Riverview association, steep | 53K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cheaha gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla-Riverview complex | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Davidson-Gwinnett association, hilly | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison gravelly sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Iredell-Mecklenburg association, undulating | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grover association, rolling | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tallapoosa-Fruithurst complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allen association, rolling | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil association, rolling | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Altavista complex | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riverview silt loam | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grover sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Roanoke silt loam | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hiwassee clay, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 1K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Toccoa sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 1K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 39% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 68% 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.