Benton County, Tennessee
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 Benton County, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sugargrove-Sengtown-Hawthorne complex, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 26K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lax silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 25K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hawthorne, Sengtown, and Sugargrove soils, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Luverne complex, 12 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dulac-Tippah complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iuka loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riverby-Ennis complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded, north | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dulac-Tippah complex, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hawthorne gravelly silt loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Providence complex, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chenneby silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Luverne complex, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lobelville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale, Toinette and Luverne soils, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lax silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 83% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 88% 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.