Madison County, Alabama

Survey Area AL089• 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 Madison 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
Rockland, limestone, steep	66K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Decatur silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	65K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Abernathy-Emory silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bewleyville silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded	17K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Melvin silty clay loam	16K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lindside silty clay loam	14K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rockland, limestone, hilly	13K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Baxter (Fullerton) gravelly silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	12K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Dickson silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Guthrie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	11K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Baxter (Fullerton) gravelly silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Lobelville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	10K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ooltewah silt loam	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Robertsville (Ketona) silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally ponded	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	7K			Not rated	Not rated
Stony steep land, muskingum soil material	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tupelo silt loam	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hermitage cherty silt loam, eroded, rolling	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Dickson silt loam, eroded, undulating	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Decatur silty clay, 6 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat 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.

Alfisols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 62% 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 62% 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.