Chester 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 Chester County, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruston-Savannah complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Luverne fine sandy loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kinston silt loam and frequently flooded soils | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence silty clay loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iuka silt loam, occasionally flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steens fine sandy loam, overwash and occasionally flooded soils | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ochlockonee loam, occasionally flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lexington silty clay loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bibb silt loam, frequently flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, steep | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruston-Savannah complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lexington silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chickasaw loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tooterville fine sandy loam, overwash occasionally flooded soils | 2K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Freeland silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, severely eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steens loam, rarely flooded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 79% 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 89% 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.