Wayne County, Tennessee
The most common soil here is Biffle, on about 35% of the land: a gravelly silt loam, smooth, like flour. Brandon and Saffell come next.
About 92% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 4% of it.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 71% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 53% 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 Wayne 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 Somewhat excessively 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 Wayne 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biffle gravelly silt loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 119K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Biffle gravelly silt loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 37K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Biffle gravelly silt loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 37K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Saffell gravelly fine sandy loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brandon silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sulphura channery silt loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ironcity gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Brandon silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ennis gravelly silt loam, occasionally flooded | 12K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sulphura-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riverby gravelly sandy loam, frequently flooded | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Humphreys gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lax silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luverne fine sandy loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Humphreys gravelly silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Braxton-Talbott complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saffell gravelly fine sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lobelville gravelly silt loam, occasionally flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Silerton silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ashwood-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 4K | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 71% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 94% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.