Marshall 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 Marshall County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wynnville-Nauvoo fine sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 53K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 36K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 36K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Stony colluvial land, allen soil material | 33K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nauvoo-Wynnville fine sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 22K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rockland, sandstone | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Albertville very fine sandy loam, eroded, gently sloping | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rockland, limestone | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton-Clarksville cherty silt loams, steep | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wynnville fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linker sandy clay loam, severely eroded, gently sloping | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linker sandy clay loam, severely eroded, sloping | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nauvoo fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Captina silt loam, eroded, gently sloping | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allen-Waynesboro fine sandy loams, eroded, gently sloping | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Crossville (Hartsells) fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded, moderately deep | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells fine sandy loam, eroded, strongly sloping, shallow | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minvale cherty silty clay loam, severely eroded, gently sloping | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Minvale cherty silt loam, eroded, gently sloping | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Egam-newark silty clay loams | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 69% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 74% 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.