Rutherford County, Tennessee

Survey Area TN149• Tennessee

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Rutherford 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
Gladeville-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony	93K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Talbott-Barfield-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bradyville silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Talbott silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	17K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Mimosa-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Harpeth silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Cumberland silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Egam silt loam	15K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bradyville-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lomond silt loam 2 to 5 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Arrington silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lomond silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Capshaw silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Eagleville silty clay loam	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Roellen silty clay loam	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Talbott silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Roellen silty clay	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Talbott silty clay loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Dilton-Rock outcrop complex	5K	Poorly drained	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.

Alfisols

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

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.

Mollisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 75% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 81% 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.