Murray and Whitfield Counties, Georgia
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 Murray and Whitfield Counties, Georgia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montevallo-Townley complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montevallo-Townley complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shack-Minvale-Bodine complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C/D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Townley silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Docena-Conasauga complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenneby silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cataska channery silt loam, 45 to 70 percent slopes | 13K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shack-Minvale-Bodine complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montevallo very channery loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arkabutla silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Junaluska-Tsali complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Junaluska loam, 45 to 70 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Junaluska loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waynesboro sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Conasauga silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tsali channery loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Junaluska-Tsali complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shellbluff silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ketona silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% 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 94% 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.