Henderson County, Tennessee
The most common soil here is Lexington, on about 23% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Smithdale and Bibb come next.
About 58% of the land drains well, and 26% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 34% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 74% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 28% 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 Henderson 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Henderson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderately gullied land Lexington-Ruston materials complex (Lexington-Smithdale) | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beechy silt loam (Bibb) | 27K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lexington-Ruston soils, moderately steep phases complex (Lexington-Smithdale) | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ina silt loam, local alluvium phase (Arkabutla) | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ina silt loam (Mantachie) | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lexington-Ruston soils, severely eroded moderately steep phases complex (Lexington-Smithdale) | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cuthbert-Silerton soils, moderately steep phases complex (Luverne-Silerton) | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lexington silty clay loam, severely eroded sloping phase | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Moderately gullied land, Cuthbert-Silerton materials complex (Luverne-Silerton) | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Severely gullied land, Lexington-Ruston materials complex (Lexington-Smithdale) | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hymon silt loam, local alluvium phase (Collins) | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lexington silt loam, eroded gently sloping phase | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ina fine sandy loam, local alluvium phase (Mantachie) | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lexington-Ruston soils, severely eroded sloping phases complex (Lexington-Smithdale) | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hymon fine sandy loam, local alluvium phase (Iuka) | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Freeland silt loam, eroded gently sloping phase | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Silerton silty clay loam, severely eroded sloping phase | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Beechy fine sandy loam (Bibb) | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shubuta-Cuthbert loams, moderately steep phases complex (Shubuta-Luverne) | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated |
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 74% 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 99% 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.