Knox County, Tennessee

Survey Area TN093• 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 Knox 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
Minvale-Bodine-Fullerton complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes, stony	22K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Heiskell silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	15K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Minvale-Fullerton complex, 12 to 25 percent slopes, stony	13K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land-Udorthents complex	13K			Not rated	Not rated
Dewey silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	13K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Fullerton-Minvale complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Dewey-Udorthents-Urban land complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Corryton-Townley complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Apison-Montevallo complex, 35 to 75 percent slopes, rocky	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nonaburg channery silt loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded, rocky	12K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Coghill-Corryton complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes, rocky	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Water	11K			Not rated	Not rated
Dewey silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Etowah-Minvale complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Steadman silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Loyston-Talbott-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes	10K	Well drained		Very limited	Very limited
Dewey loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes, eroded	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Loyston-Talbott-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	8K	Well drained		Very limited	Very limited
Corryton-Udorthents-Urban land complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Nonaburg channery silt loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes, severely eroded, rocky	8K	Well drained	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.

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 60% 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 68% 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.