Rutherford 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 Rutherford County, Tennessee.
| 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 |
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.