Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale County, Tennessee.
| 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 |
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.