Sullivan County, Tennessee
The most common soil here is Collegedale, on about 19% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Montevallo and Etowah come next.
About 82% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 88% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 73% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 7% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 41% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Sullivan County, Tennessee, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Sullivan 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collegedale-Etowah complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 37K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collegedale-Etowah complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 37K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Montevallo channery silt loam, 50 to 80 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steadman silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talbott-Rock outcrop-Bradyville complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montevallo channery silt loam, 35 to 50 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collegedale-Etowah complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes, severely eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talbott-Rock outcrop-Bradyville complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Collegedale-Urban land complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bays silty clay loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montevallo channery silt loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montevallo channery silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keener gravelly fine sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, cobbly | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keener gravelly fine sandy loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, cobbly | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bays silty clay loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bloomingdale silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bays silty clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waynesboro loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 73% 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 88% 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.