Coosa 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 Coosa County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison-Louisa complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 61K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tallapoosa-Badin-Fruithurst complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tallapoosa-Fruithurst complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pacolet-Rion complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded, stony | 28K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chewacla, Cartecay and Toccoa soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 26K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grover sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bethlehem-Madison complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pacolet gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison fine sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Louisa-Mountain Park complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pacolet-Rion complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded, stony | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Louisburg-Rion-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very bouldery | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Badin-Tallapoosa-Fruithurst complex, 3 to 10 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mecklenburg gravelly loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wedowee gravelly sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Louisburg-Rion-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes, very bouldery | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sweetapple-Mountain Park complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 55% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 66% 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.