Marshall County, Tennessee
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Marshall County, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talbott-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hawthorne and Dellrose association, 25 to 55 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talbott silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Braxton silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Braxton-Talbott-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barfield-Ashwood-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armour silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gladeville-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barfield-Ashwood-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashwood-Mimosa-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Capshaw silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harpeth silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mimosa gravelly silt loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashwood-Mimosa-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Egam silt loam, frequently flooded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marsh-Stiversville complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mimosa silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hawthorne gravelly silt loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Arrington silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talbott silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 75% 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 96% 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.