Morgan County Area, Tennessee
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Morgan County Area, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilpin-Bouldin-Petros complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes, very stony | 64K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Petros complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Petros complex, 35 to 80 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wernock silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lily-Gilpin complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily-Gilpin complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily-Ramsey complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wernock silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lily-Ramsey complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allegheny-Cotaco complex, occasionally flooded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily-Gilpin complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bethesda-mines pit complex, 10 to 80 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lonewood silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lily loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pope-Philo complex, frequently flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily-Ramsey complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% 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 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.