Cleburne 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 Cleburne County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tatum-Fruithurst association, hilly | 98K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tatum-Tallapoosa-Fruithurst association, steep | 86K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison association, hilly | 32K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cheaha gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riverview-State-Sylacauga complex | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison-Louisa association, steep | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tatum-Fruithurst complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mecklenburg association, rolling | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hiwassee-Gwinnett association, hilly | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holston-Allen association, rolling | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison gravelly sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Riverview loam | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| State fine sandy loam | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waynesboro-Holston complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holston loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ochlockonee loamy fine sand | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sylacauga silt loam | 1K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waynesboro fine sandy loam | 433 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 48% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 85% 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.