Shelby 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 Shelby County, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falaya silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, very brief | 84K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Memphis silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, northern phase | 47K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Graded land, silty materials (Udorthent, silty) | 38K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Grenada silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 30K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 29K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Waverly silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, long | 26K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adler silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Memphis silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, northern phase | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calloway silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, north | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunica silty clay | 12K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Henry silt loam | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Filled land, silty (Udorthent, silty) | 10K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Memphis silt loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded, northern phase | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gullied land, silty (Udorthent, silty) | 9K | Well drained | B | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 80% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 80% 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.