Blount County Area, Tennessee
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Blount County Area, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramsey stony fine sandy loam, very steep phase | 22K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ramsey slaty silt loam, very steep phase | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dewey silty clay loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Emory silt loam, gently sloping phase | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dewey-Collegedale complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ramsey slaty silt loam, steep phase | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dandridge silt loam, steep phase | 7K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sequoia silty clay loam, eroded sloping phase | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Decatur silty clay loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rockland limestone, moderately steep | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Dewey silty clay, severely eroded moderately steep phase | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dandridge silt loam, sloping phase | 4K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sequoia silty clay loam, eroded gently sloping phase | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dewey-Collegedale complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamblen silt loam, drainageway, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tellico loam, eroded sloping phase | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Litz silt loam, sloping phase | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barbourville silt loam, gently sloping phase | 3K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dewey silty clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 58% 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 66% 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.