Madison 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 Madison County, Alabama.
| 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 |
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.