DeKalb County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 DeKalb County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartsells fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 93K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wynnville-Nauvoo fine sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 72K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stony colluvial land, steep | 60K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockland, sandstone, steep | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muskingum (Gorgas) stony fine sandy loam, 10 to 20 percent slopes, very stony | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville cherty silt loam, steep | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muskingum (Gorgas) stony fine sandy loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crossville (Hartsells) loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, shallow | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton cherty silt loam, hilly | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clarksville cherty silty clay loam, severely eroded, steep | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville cherty silt loam, hilly | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crossville rocky loam, rolling | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Apison (Townley) loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Apison (Townley) loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Atkins silt loam | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville cherty silt loam, eroded, rolling | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton cherty loam, eroded, rolling | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hartsells-Nauvoo complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 91% 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 96% 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.