Dickson County, Tennessee

Survey Area TN043 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 Dickson County, Tennessee. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map UnitAcresDrainageHydro GroupDwellingsSeptic
Sengtown gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes 68K Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Sengtown gravelly silt loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes 60K Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Sengtown gravelly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes 44K Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Hawthorne-Sulphura association, 20 to 60 percent slopes 37K Somewhat excessively drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Lax silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes 10K Moderately well drainedCVery limitedVery limited
Saffell gravelly fine sandy loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes 8K Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Dickson silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes 6K Moderately well drainedC/DVery limitedVery limited
Sengtown-Urban land complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes 6K Not ratedNot rated
Armour silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, gravelly substratum 6K Well drainedBNot limitedVery limited
Mountview silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded 6K Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Saffell gravelly fine sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes 6K Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Armour silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes 5K Well drainedBSomewhat limitedVery limited
Mountview silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes 5K Moderately well drainedCVery limitedVery limited
Humphreys gravelly silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes 4K Well drainedASomewhat limitedVery limited
Sengtown gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes 4K Well drainedBNot limitedSomewhat limited
Sengtown-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes 4K Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Armour silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, gravelly substratum, occasionally flooded 4K Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Lax silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes 3K Moderately well drainedCVery limitedVery limited
Hawthorne-Sugargrove complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes 3K Somewhat excessively drainedBSomewhat limitedVery limited
Minvale gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes 3K Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat 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.
Inceptisols
Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 63% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, 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.

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