Union County, Tennessee

Survey Area TN173• Tennessee

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Union 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
Clarksville cherty silt loam, steep phase	23K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Berks-Weikert complex, 20 to 75 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Water	14K			Not rated	Not rated
Fullerton cherty silt loam, steep phase	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rough stony land, talbott soil material	10K			Very limited	Very limited
Clarksville cherty silt loam, hilly phase	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Montevallo shaly silt loam, steep phase	5K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Fullerton gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, cool	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Rough stony land, Fullerton soil material	4K			Very limited	Very limited
Clarksville cherty silt loam, rolling phase	4K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Armuchee silt loam, hilly phase	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Armuchee silt loam, steep phase	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fullerton silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, cool (cr-sil)	3K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Claiborne silt loam, hilly phase	2K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Philo fine sandy loam (sl)	2K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Claiborne silt loam, steep phase	2K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Talbott silty clay loam, eroded rolling phase	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sequoia silty clay loam, eroded rolling phase	2K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Leadvale silt loam, rolling phase	2K	Moderately well drained	C	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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Alfisols

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

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 80% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, 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.