Chattooga, Floyd, and Polk Counties, Georgia
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 Chattooga, Floyd, and Polk Counties, Georgia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chewacla silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 41K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nella-Townley association, steep | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montevallo very shaly silt loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shack cherty silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton cherty silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton cherty silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Townley silt loam, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton cherty silt loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Conasauga silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bodine very stony silt loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shack cherty silt loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tallapoosa gravelly fine sandy loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hector stony fine sandy loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Townley silt loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shack cherty silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wax loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton cherty silt loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wax loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Etowah loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Whitwell silt loam | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 72% 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 86% 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.