Knox 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 Knox County, Tennessee.
| 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 |
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.