Dade and Walker 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 Dade and Walker Counties, Georgia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bouldin-Nella complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes, very flaggy | 26K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells-Hector complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rocky | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minvale-Shack complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montevallo channery silt loam, 15 to 55 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nauvoo-Hartsells complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Minvale-Shack complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bodine gravelly silt loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Hector complex, 5 to 60 percent slopes | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Minvale-Shack complex 10 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Steadman silt loam, frequently flooded | 13K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells-Nauvoo complex, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nauvoo-Hartsells complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells-Hector complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyerly-Barfield-Braxton-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Townley-Montevallo complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barfield-Rock outcrop-Talbott complex, 10 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells-Hector complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colbert-Lyerly complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes, rocky | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pettyjon silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | 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, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 83% 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.