Grainger 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 Grainger County, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dewey-Etowah complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton gravelly loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talbott-Rock outcrop-Bradyville complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Townley-Montevallo complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Wallen-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dewey-Etowah complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wallen gravelly loam, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dewey silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Minvale loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talbott-Rock outcrop-Bradyville complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Opequon-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Townley-Montevallo complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Townley-Montevallo complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Townley silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hamblen silt loam, frequently flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minvale loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton gravelly loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton gravelly loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dewey silty clay loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 82% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 85% 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.