Shelby 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 Shelby County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nauvoo-Sunlight complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 95K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Townley-Sunlight complex, 12 to 35 percent slopes | 88K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nella-Mountainburg association, steep | 42K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Choccolocco-Sterrett association, frequently flooded | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weogufka very channery sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Townley silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allen loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bodine-Minvale complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Townley silt loam, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Minvale-Fullerton, complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quitman loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minvale-Fullerton complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Allen loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Etowah silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nauvoo loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tupelo loam, frequently flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pirum fine sandy loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nauvoo-Sunlight complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Decatur silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Weogufka very channery silt loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 80% 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 84% 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.