Rhea County, Tennessee
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.