Marion 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 Marion County, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bouldery colluvium, Allen soil material (Bouldin) | 62K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells fine sandy loam, rolling phase (Lily) | 52K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muskingum stony fine sandy loam, hilly phase (Ramsey) | 40K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ramsey stony fine sandy loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes, stony | 27K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Talbott complex, 12 to 60 percent slopes | 23K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rock outcrop-Ramsey complex, 12 to 60 percent slopes | 21K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hartsells fine sandy loam, undulating phase (Lily) | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jefferson fine sandy loam, rolling phase | 5K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sequatchie loam, eroded undulating phase | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cobbly alluvium, Staser and Sequatchie soil materials (Welchland) | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cotaco and Atkins silt loams (Bonair) | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindside silt loam (Hamblen) | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sequatchie loam, undulating phase | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Prader silt loam (Purdy) | 3K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Melvin silty clay loam | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emory silt loam | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hamblen loam | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Staser loam | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, 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.