Cullman County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Cullman County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muskingum stony fine sandy loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 79K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pottsville (Montevallo) channery silt loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 47K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wynnville fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 44K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nauvoo-Wynnville fine sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 29K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Albertville loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 27K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells-Gorgas complex, 10 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Albertville loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Linker fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nauvoo fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Atkins silt loam, local alluvium | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Enders and albertville soils, shallow, 10 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Philo and Stendal soils, local alluvium | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leadvale loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells fine sandy loam, shallow, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Philo loam | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tyler silt loam | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enders and albertville soils, shallow, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Albertville silty clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 72% 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 87% 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.