White County Area and Van Buren County, Tennessee
The most common soil here is Lonewood, on about 16% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Waynesboro and Ramsey come next.
About 91% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 3% of it.
USDA rates 66% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 64% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 31% 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 White County Area and Van Buren 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 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 White County Area and Van Buren 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramsey-Lily complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes, very rocky | 50K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lonewood loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Waynesboro loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Varilla-Beetree-Muse complex, 20 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 22K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ramsey-Lily-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caneyville-Rock outcrop-Standingstone complex, 12 to 35 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waynesboro loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lonewood silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bouldin very cobbly fine sandy loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes, very stony | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Ramsey complex, 35 to 75 percent slopes | 10K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Standingstone-Hayter complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes, very rocky | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Algood gravelly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nella cobbly loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Christian cherty silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Algood gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Carbo-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waynesboro clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountview silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bewleyville silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | 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 64% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 66% 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.