Cleburne County, Alabama

Survey Area AL029• Alabama

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 Cleburne 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
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

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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

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.