Clay 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 Clay County, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmon-Newbern complex, 40 to 80 percent slopes, rocky | 54K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hawthorne gravelly silt loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountview silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barfield-Gladdice-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sugargrove gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hawthorne gravelly silt loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Frederick loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Garmon-Newbern complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bewleyville silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Christian loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dellrose and Mimosa soils, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ocana gravelly silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sugargrove gravelly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Christian-Faywood complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes, very rocky | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Christian loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountview silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Renox silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 87% 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.