Colbert County, Alabama

Survey Area AL033• 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 Colbert 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
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

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.

Alfisols

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

Entisols

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

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.