Decatur County, Tennessee

Survey Area TN039• Tennessee

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Decatur 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
SAVANNAH LOAM, ROLLING PHASE	15K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bodine gravelly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	14K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Bodine gravelly silt loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes	14K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Talbott-Rock outcrop, hilly phase	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bodine gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
SAVANNAH LOAM, ERODED ROLLING PHASE	6K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
LUVERNE-SAVANNAH FINE SANDY LOAMS, HILLY PHASES	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
WATER	6K			Not rated	Not rated
COLLINS SILT LOAM	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
BIBB SILT LOAM	5K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
SAVANNAH CLAY LOAM, SEVERELY ERODED ROLLING PHASE	5K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lindell silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	5K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Mantachie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
SMITHDALE FINE SANDY LOAM, HILLY PHASE	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Emory silt loam	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Humphreys cherty silt loam, undulating phase	4K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pruitton silt loam	3K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Iuka fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	3K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Dickson silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
LUVERNE FINE SANDY LOAM, HILLY PHASE	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.

Alfisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 86% 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 92% 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.