Carroll County, Tennessee

Survey Area TN017• Tennessee

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Carroll 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
Waverly silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, long	42K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Falaya silt loam, occasionally flooded	42K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lexington silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	40K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Lexington silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	35K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Smithdale fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	29K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Collins silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, brief duration	28K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale fine sandy loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale fine sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded	17K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents-Smithdale complex, gullied	16K			Not rated	Not rated
Providence silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	14K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lexington silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	14K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Grenada silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	14K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Providence silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Providence silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded	8K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Grenada silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded	8K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sweatman loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sweatman loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Calloway silt loam	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Waverly silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, long	5K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Loring silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded	4K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very 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.

Alfisols

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

Ultisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 61% 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 95% 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.