Walker County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Walker County, Alabama.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunlight-Townley complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 103K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sipsey loamy sand, 4 to 18 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sipsey-Bankhead complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montevallo channery silt loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sunlight-Sipsey complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Townley silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Brilliant and Palmerdale extremely channery loams, 6 to 60 percent slopes | 36K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nauvoo and Sipsey soils, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nauvoo-Townley complex, 4 to 20 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Spadra-Whitwell complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wynnville fine sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bankhead-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mooreville, frequently flooded-Spadra, occasionally flooded complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brilliant extremely channery loam, 6 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Townley-Urban land complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nauvoo and Nectar fine sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Townley silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Wynnville fine sandy loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nauvoo-Sipsey-Urban land complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 67% 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 88% 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.