Polk County, 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 Polk County, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junaluska fine sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Junaluska-Brasstown complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tusquitee loam, 20 to 65 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard-Hayesville complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Junaluska-Citico complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Junaluska-Tsali complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waynesboro loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Evard-Hayesville complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Apison-Armuchee complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ditney loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Citico channery silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cataska-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lostcove-Keener complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wallen channery sandy loam, 15 to 65 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cataska-Rock outcrop complex, 65 to 90 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Unicoi-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 5K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Gullied land-Evard complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Jeffrey channery loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lostcove-Keener complex, 12 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamblen silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, hydric minor component | 4K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% 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 91% 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.