Shelby County, Alabama
The most common soil here is Townley, on about 15% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Nauvoo and Sunlight come next.
About 92% of the land drains well, and 6% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 12% of it.
USDA rates 80% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 77% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 8% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 53% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Shelby County, Alabama, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Shelby 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 77% 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 80% 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.