Washington County, Tennessee

Survey Area TN179• 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 Washington 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
Dewey-Collegedale complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded	40K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Dewey-Collegedale complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded	29K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Dewey-Udorthents-Urban land complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Greendale silt loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Bowmantown silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Unicoi-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 80 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land-Udorthents complex	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Talbott-Rock outcrop-Bradyville complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Montevallo channery silt loam, 35 to 50 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Montevallo channery silt loam, 50 to 80 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cataska channery silt loam, 50 to 80 percent slopes	4K	Excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Montevallo channery silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lindside silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, warm	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Talbott-Rock outcrop-Bradyville complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes, eroded	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Dewey-Collegedale complex, 25 to 40 percent slopes, severely eroded	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Waynesboro loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	2K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Water 1982 NRI	2K			Not rated	Not rated
Nolichucky loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	2K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Keener loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Northcove stony sandy loam, 50 to 80 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	A	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.

Inceptisols

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

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 65% 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 60% 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.