Bledsoe 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 Bledsoe County, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lily loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin shaly silt loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ramsey-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 26K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bouldin and Gilpin cobbly loams, 20 to 65 percent slopes, stony | 19K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ramsey sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin shaly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talbott-Braxton-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ramsey sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pailo very cherty sandy loam, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waynesboro loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Morehead rarely flooded-Bonair occasionally flooded complex | 4K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waynesboro loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Waynesboro loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sequatchie loam, rarely flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talbott-Braxton-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waynesboro clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sullivan silt loam, occasionally flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Etowah silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% 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 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.