Madison 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 Madison County, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feliciana silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, northern phase | 44K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Falaya silt loam | 32K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale soils, 10 to 20 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collins silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 26K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale soils, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lexington silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Waverly silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, very long | 20K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lexington silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Feliciana silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded, northern phase | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lexington and Smithdale soils, 10 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lexington silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calloway silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, north | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calhoun and Henry silt loams | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iuka fine sandy loam | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lexington silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Feliciana silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded, northern phase | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vicksburg silt loam | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ochlockonee fine sandy loam | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 66% 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 79% 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.