Colbert 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 Colbert County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chisca-Nella-Nectar complex, 10 to 45 percent slopes | 80K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saffell-Pikeville complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 60K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Decatur silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nectar and Nauvoo fine sandy loams, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chisca loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 22K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Chenneby silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Pikeville complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Emory silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, ponded | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Capshaw silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wynnville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton-Bodine complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tupelo-Colbert complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pruitton and Sullivan silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Decatur-Urban land complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bewleyville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Decatur silty clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Etowah silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Guthrie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 74% 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.