Anderson County, Tennessee

Survey Area TN001• Tennessee

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Anderson County, Tennessee. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Gilpin-Petros complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Bouldin-Petros complex, 25 to 75 percent slopes, very stony	23K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fullerton-Pailo complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Fullerton-Pailo complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Bethesda-Pits, mine complex, 10 to 80 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Armuchee-Montevallo complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Montevallo channery silt loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Petros complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fullerton-Pailo complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Colbert-Lyerly-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	5K			Not rated	Not rated
Hamblen silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, hydric minor component	5K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Collegedale-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Armuchee silt loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ramsey-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Collegedale silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Minvale silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Armuchee silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Montevallo channery silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dewey silt loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 91% 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 93% 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.