Fayette County, Tennessee
The most common soil here is Grenada, on about 26% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Falaya and Collins come next.
About 17% of the land drains well, and 29% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 44% of it.
USDA rates 86% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 83% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 31% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Fayette County, Tennessee, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Fayette 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grenada silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 41K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Falaya silt loam | 33K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waverly silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief | 33K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded | 29K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gullied land, sandy | 21K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Grenada silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, severely eroded | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Falaya silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, brief | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada-Gullied land complex, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collins silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, brief duration | 17K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gullied land, silty | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Collins silt loam, local alluvium, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, brief duration | 14K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lexington-Ruston-Gullied land complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes (Lexington-Smithdale-gullied land) | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Memphis silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, northern phase | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lexington-Ruston complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes (Lexington-Smithdale) | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Henry silt loam | 9K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calloway silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collins fine sandy loam | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 83% 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 86% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.