Can we talk dirt???

20 years ago

I am contemplating a move and I am interested in precise soil conditions in various areas of middle Tennessee. I am interested in up to an hour or so from Nashville---but on the east and southeast side(say Monterrey/Cookeville over to Nashville and halfway back to Chattanooga towards Manchester).

My understanding is that much of the area is solid bedrock with only a foot or two of clay on top----which would make difficult growing conditions.

If you live near the triangle of Crossville/Nashville/Manchester I would greatly appreciate knowing exactly what your soil conditions are....or if you know which areas have better soil.

My East Tn. soil conditions are a foot of very dense, hard gray clay on a layer of large river rocks. When I visit my cousins in the piedmont of NC, they think their soil is bad.

To me it is just wonderful. It is ugly red clay with enough sand in it that you can get easily dig in July and in May it is like digging in butter---SO easy to dig. Not all clay is created equal.

Hope you get the idea what I am after. Thanks for your help.

p.s. The days start to get longer next week. Yeah----spring is on the way---well eventually anyway---Ha

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Comments (5)

brandon7 TN_zone7
20 years ago
I'd still check the soil out at the specific place you want to move to. I did that when I was looking for land in the Knoxville area. A farm I looked at just a few miles from where I ended up was nothing but pure rock covered by an average of about 6" of dirt. The farm I actually bought has deep loamy soil with very few rocks. I see a lot of difference around here within fairly short distances.

I used a piece of concrete rebar with a cross piece welded on for a handle to explore the ground for rocks. It takes a little time on a larger piece of property, but I think it can tell you alot. Also, ask the immediate neighbors!
peri__n_eal
Original Author
20 years ago
Thanks Brandon. I lived in Knoxville for 10 years. You are right. Much of middle east and upper east tn. can change in a short distance. One mile in one direction there is shale. One mile in another direction is nice clay humus mix....and rocks are pretty much everywhere.

I was hoping middle tn. might be different since there are less ridges and that the underlying rock might be easier to predict. What I ought to have asked is where there might be a higher likelihood of decent soil...and where not to even consider.

You really were determined to find good soil with your rhebar test, weren't you Brandon? I am really just trying to determine the most likely places to start looking since I am in Tri Cities now.
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Tennessee
20 years ago
I live in Cookeville and know that soil conditions vary. Farmers in the area would be good to talk to. You might want to talk to the local Agriculture Extension Office. Taking soil samples is probably a good idea. The local extension office will evaluate soil samples for a small fee.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
20 years ago
The extension office should also have a soil survey of the area you are interested in and MAY even be able to decipher it for you!
peri__n_eal
Original Author
20 years ago
Thanks, I'll check the extension offices and see if they have any information on-line.

I was hoping someone could say this area has some places with great soil or this area is generally pretty bad...soil wise.

Since good soil is a really big issue with me, I just didn't want to start looking in an area where it is really hard to grow things.