Cumberland County, Tennessee

Survey Area TN035• Tennessee

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Cumberland County, Tennessee. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Lily loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	119K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lily loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	39K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lily loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ramsey-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes	24K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Jefferson cobbly loam, 20 to 50 percent slopes, stony	24K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Jefferson-Shelocta complex, 20 to 45 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Jefferson-Varilla-Shelocta complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes, very stony	20K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lonewood loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Ramsey loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	15K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ramsey loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	15K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ramsey-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ramsey-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hendon silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Varilla-Shelocta complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very rocky	4K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Jefferson-Shelocta complex, 10 to 20 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Water	4K			Not rated	Not rated
Talbott-Rock outcrop-Braxton complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 91% 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 95% 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.