Obion County, Tennessee
The most common soil here is Memphis, on about 23% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Grenada and Falaya come next.
About 29% of the land drains well, and 38% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 51% of it.
USDA rates 85% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 80% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 27% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Obion County, Tennessee, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 80% 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 85% 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.