Macon County, Tennessee

Survey Area TN111• 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 Macon 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
Hawthorne gravelly silt loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes	45K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Sugargrove gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	24K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hawthorne gravelly silt loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes	20K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Dickson silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	16K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sugargrove gravelly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded	13K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Sengtown gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Mimosa-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sulphura channery silt loam, 25 to 55 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Barfield-Ashwood-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mountview silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Skidmore gravelly loam, occasionally flooded	5K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Sengtown gravelly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Bewleyville silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Dellrose gravelly silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, eroded	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Humphreys gravelly silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Mountview silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	2K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ocana gravelly silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	2K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Mimosa silt loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes, eroded, very rocky	2K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Armour silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Mimosa silt loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded	1K	Well drained	C	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.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 65% 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 92% 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.