Perry County, Tennessee
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively 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 Perry 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biffle, Hawthorne, and Sulphura soils, very steep, rocky | 64K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Biffle gravelly silt loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 59K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Biffle gravelly silt loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 34K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Biffle gravelly silt loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riverby gravelly sandy loam, frequently flooded | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dellrose and Mimosa soils, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Humphreys gravelly silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gladdice-Rock outcrop-Mimosa complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talbott-Mimosa complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tarklin-Minvale complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ellisville silt loam, frequently flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Humphreys gravelly silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lax-Ironcity complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ironcity gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Trace silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beason and Chenneby soils, frequently flooded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lobelville silt loam, occasionally flooded | 2K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paden silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sullivan silt loam, occasionally flooded | 2K | Well drained | B | 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 79% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 96% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.