Obion 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 Obion County, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded, northern phase | 33K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Falaya silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, brief | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adler silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 23K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Memphis silt loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Memphis silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, northern phase | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Waverly silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, long | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calloway silt loam | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Convent silt loam | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Waverly silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, brief | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Routon-Bonn silt loam complex | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Memphis silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded, northern phase | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Memphis-Gullied land complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Routon silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Center silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swamp (Rosebloom, ponded) | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 82% 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 87% 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.