Bradley County, 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 Bradley County, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montevallo shaly silt loam, eroded rolling phase | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sequoia silty clay loam, eroded rolling phase | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lehew-Montevallo loams, steep phases | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cotaco silt loam | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montevallo shaly silt loam, eroded hilly phase | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hamblen silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, hydric minor component | 6K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montevallo shaly silt loam, hilly phase | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sequoia silty clay loam, eroded undulating phase | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montevallo channery silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montevallo and Muskingum soils, steep phases | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville cherty silt loam, hilly phase | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minvale silt loam, eroded rolling phase | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sequoia silty clay, severely eroded rolling phase | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Apison silt loam, eroded undulating phase | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Prader silt loam (Melvin) | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 68% 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 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.