Decatur County, Tennessee
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Decatur County, Tennessee.
| 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 |
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.