DeKalb 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 DeKalb County, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawthorne gravelly silt loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockland | 22K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Dickson silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 16K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mimosa-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dellrose gravelly silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hawthorne-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 80 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hawthorne-Sugargrove complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton cherty silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mimosa gravelly silt loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountview silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dellrose gravelly silt loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mimosa-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Christian cherty silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Christian silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Christian cherty silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Arrington silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountview silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Christian cherty silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Taft silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% 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 70% 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.