Lauderdale County, Tennessee

Survey Area TN097• Tennessee

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 Lauderdale 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
Adler silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	37K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Memphis silt loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes, northern phase	30K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Water	26K			Not rated	Not rated
Memphis silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded, northern phase	23K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Sharkey clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	19K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Memphis silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded, northern phase	18K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Commerce silty clay loam, occasionally flooded	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Memphis silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded, northern phase	12K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Commerce silt loam, occasionally flooded	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Keyespoint silty clay, occasionally flooded	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Loring silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded	9K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Amagon overwash, Oaklimeter silt loams and frequently flooded soils	9K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Memphis silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded, northern phase	8K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Openlake silty clay, occasionally flooded	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Robinsonville silt loam, occasionally flooded	7K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Bowdre silty clay, occasionally flooded	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Convent silt loam, occasionally flooded	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Robinsonville fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Morganfield silt loam, occasionally flooded	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Loring silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded	5K	Moderately 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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 67% 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 67% 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

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.