Carter County, Tennessee
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.