Rhea County, Tennessee

Survey Area TN143• 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 Rhea 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
Lily loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lily loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Water	13K			Not rated	Not rated
Gilpin-Bouldin-Petros complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes, very stony	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Pailo gravelly silt loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Pailo gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Gilpin loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ramsey-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pailo gravelly silt loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Waynesboro loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Colbert and Lyerly soils, 2 to 12 percent slopes, very rocky	5K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lily loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Apison-Sunlight-Salacoa complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Townley-Sunlight complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Townley-Sunlight complex, 12 to 25 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Jefferson-Varilla-Shelocta complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes, very stony	4K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Lily loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Tasso-Minvale complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C/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.

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 75% 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.