Putnam County and Parts of White County, Tennessee

Survey Area TN610• Tennessee

The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Putnam County and Parts of White 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
Hawthorne gravelly silt loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes	19K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Bouldin very cobbly fine sandy loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes, very stony	13K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Mimosa-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Varilla-Beetree-Muse complex, 20 to 45 percent slopes, very stony	10K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Mountview silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rock land, limestone	8K			Very limited	Very limited
Bewleyville silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Dellrose gravelly silt loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hartsells loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hartsells loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Holston silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Caneyville-Rock outcrop-Standingstone complex, 12 to 35 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Waynesboro silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Dickson silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Carbo-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sengtown gravelly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Muskingum very rocky sandy loam, 20 to 30 percent slope	4K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mountview silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Muskingum silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Standingstone-Hayter complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes, very rocky	3K	Well drained	C	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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 84% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 84% 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.