Cocke County Area, Tennessee
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Cocke County Area, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonaburg channery silt loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes, severely eroded, rocky | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Unicoi-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 80 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cataska channery silt loam, 35 to 50 percent slopes | 15K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dewey silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dewey silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cataska channery silt loam, 50 to 80 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keener loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, stony | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nonaburg channery silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded, rocky | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sylco-Cataska complex, 50 to 80 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Craigsville gravelly fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes, bouldery, occasionally flooded | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maymead loam, 35 to 50 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keener loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, stony | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Brasstown loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitesburg silt loam, occasionally flooded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Unicoi-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 50 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pettyjon loam, occasionally flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talbott-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nonaburg channery silt loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded, rocky | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ditney sandy loam, 35 to 50 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% 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 91% 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.