Bedford County, Tennessee
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Bedford County, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talbott silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 29K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talbott-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mimosa-Ashwood complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes, rocky | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dellrose gravelly silt loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bradyville silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gladeville-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Capshaw silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ashwood-Mimosa-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barfield-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Godwin silt loam, frequently flooded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mimosa silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harpeth silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hawthorne gravelly silt loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arrington silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashwood-Mimosa-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Agee silty clay loam, frequently flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mimosa-Ashwood complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes, rocky | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talbott silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nesbitt silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hawthorne gravelly silt loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat 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 96% 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.