Hardin County, Tennessee
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Hardin County, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bodine gravelly silt loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Waverly silt loam | 13K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shubuta fine sandy loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes (Luverne) | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waynesboro very gravelly sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes (Saffell) | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shubuta fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes (Luverne) | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Paden silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waynesboro fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes (Etowah) | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ennis silt loam (Pruitton) | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dandridge-Needmore complex, 12 to 35 percent slopes (Sulphura) | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waynesboro gravelly sandy loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes (Saffell) | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shubuta fine sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes (Luverne) | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paden silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bodine-Guin complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes (Bodine-Saffell) | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beason silt loam | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pickwick silty clay loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Waynesboro gravelly sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes (Saffell) | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Silerton silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Collins loam, local alluvium (Iuka) | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paden silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 70% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 80% 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.