Carter County, Tennessee

Survey Area TN019• Tennessee

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Carter 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
Unicoi-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 80 percent slopes	15K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ditney sandy loam, 35 to 50 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Chestnut loam, 35 to 50 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Cataska channery silt loam, 35 to 50 percent slopes	6K	Excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Braxton silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Braxton silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Chestnut-Ashe complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very stony	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Tate stony loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Porters gravelly loam, 50 to 80 percent slopes, stony	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Calvin channery silt loam, 35 to 50 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Keener loam, 35 to 50 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Keener loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Greenlee very cobbly loam, 35 to 50 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Chestnut loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Tate stony loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Braxton-Talbott-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ditney sandy loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Water	4K			Not rated	Not rated
Cleveland sandy loam, 50 to 80 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Maymead loam, 35 to 50 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	A	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.

Inceptisols

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

Ultisols

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

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 88% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 96% 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.