McNairy 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 McNairy County, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enville fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded | 28K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne fine sandy loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bibb fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 26K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iuka fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 24K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Silerton silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Oktibbeha and Sumter soils, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Freeland silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hatchie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dulac silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, loamy | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Luverne clay loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Providence silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paden silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Freeland silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 72% 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 98% 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.