Bradley County, Tennessee

Survey Area TN011• Tennessee

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

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

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

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.