McMinn County, 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 McMinn 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 30K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coile silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bodine gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hamblen silt loam, clayey substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bodine gravelly silt loam 12 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dewey silty clay loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Etowah loam, occasionally flooded, overwash | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockdell gravelly loam, occasionally flooded | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Corryton-Townley complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Coile silt loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Red Hills and Steekee soils, 35 to 80 percent slopes, rocky | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wolftever silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tellico-Red Hills complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes, rocky | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents-Urban land complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Apison-Sunlight complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bloomingdale silty clay loam, occasionally flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dewey silty clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Corryton-Townley complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Not 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 65% 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 77% 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.