Talladega 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 Talladega County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tallapoosa-Tatum association, hilly | 92K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minvale-Bodine association, hilly | 43K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Decatur silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chewacla and Chenneby soils | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton cherty silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Allen association, steep | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tallapoosa-Tatum complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Decatur silty clay loam, 4 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dewey clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bodine gravelly silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grasmere silty clay | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bodine stony loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lobelville loam | 8K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allen gravelly fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tatum slaty loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dewey loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dewey clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Allen gravelly fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fullerton gravelly silty clay loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| McQueen silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% 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 68% 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.