Soil Survey of Murray and Whitfield Counties, Georgia

24 Soil Survey
Soils that have profiles that are almost alike make up a soil series. Except for
differences in texture of the surface layer, all the soils of a series have major horizons
that are similar in composition, thickness, and arrangement.
Soils of one series can differ in texture of the surface layer, slope, stoniness,
salinity, degree of erosion, and other characteristics that affect their use. On the basis
of such differences, a soil series is divided into soil phases. Most of the areas shown
on the detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. The name of a soil phase
commonly indicates a feature that affects use or management. For example, Fullerton
gravelly silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, is a phase of the Fullerton series.
Some map units are made up of two or more major soils or miscellaneous areas.
These map units are complexes. A complex consists of two or more soils or
miscellaneous areas in such an intricate pattern or in such small areas that they
cannot be shown separately on the maps. The pattern and proportion of the soils or
miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar in all areas. Shack-Minvale-Bodine
complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, is an example.
This survey includes miscellaneous areas. Such areas have little or no soil material
and support little or no vegetation. Urban land, 2 to 10 percent slopes, is an example.
The table “Acreage and Proportionate Extent of the Soils” lists the map units in this
survey area. Other tables give properties of the soils and the limitations, capabilities,
and potentials for many uses. The Glossary defines many of the terms used in
describing the soils.
AbB—Albertville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes
Landform: Hills
Landform position: Footslopes
Flooding: None
Slope: Gently sloping
Surface layer:
0 to 6 inches—yellowish brown silt loam
Setting
Typical Profile
Subsoil:
6 to 9 inches—brownish yellow silty clay loam that has pale yellow mottles
9 to 24 inches—brownish yellow silty clay that has red and pale yellow mottles
24 to 35 inches—brownish yellow silty clay that has red and strong brown mottles
35 to 47 inches—brownish yellow silty clay that has red, very pale brown, and strong
brown mottles
Underlying material:
47 to 60 inches—multicolored, rippable shale bedrock
Soil Properties and Qualities
Drainage class: Moderately well drained
Seasonal high water table: Apparent; at a depth of 2.5 to 3.5 feet
Permeability: Moderately slow
Available water capacity: Moderate
Root zone: Deep
Minor Components
Conasauga and Docena soils, which are in similar landform positions
Cunningham and Townley soils, which are in the higher landform positions