Adair County, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Adair County, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmon channery silt loam, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 64K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 23K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Frederick silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick-Caneyville complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes, rocky | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frankstown gravelly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frankstown gravelly silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pricetown silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sano silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert-Culleoka complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nolin silt loam, occasionally flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert-Culleoka complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pricetown silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Needmore silt loam, 6 to 20 percent slopes, very rocky | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Skidmore gravelly loam, frequently flooded | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Teddy silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Carpenter-Lenberg complex, 12 to 40 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Otwood silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Otwood silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newark silt loam, occasionally flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 83% 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.