Cheatham County, Tennessee
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively 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 Cheatham County, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawthorne-Sulphura association, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 67K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sengtown gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sengtown gravelly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hawthorne gravelly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountview silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hawthorne gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sengtown gravelly silt loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dickson silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ennis gravelly silt loam, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nolin silt loam, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountview silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Sengtown-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Byler silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop, very steep | 3K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Beason silty clay loam, occasionally flooded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tarklin gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arrington silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Melvin silt loam, frequently flooded | 2K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindell silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 1K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 75% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 79% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.