Anderson and Franklin Counties, Kentucky

Survey Area KY601• Kentucky

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Anderson and Franklin Counties, Kentucky. 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
Eden flaggy silty clay, 15 to 35 percent slopes	90K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Faywood silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Faywood silt loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Eden silty clay loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Fairmount-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lowell-Sandview silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fairmount-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
McAfee silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bluegrass-Maury silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Nicholson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Boonesboro silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, frequently flooded	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Elk silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Nolin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Elk silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
McAfee silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Elk silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Water	3K			Not rated	Not rated
Maury-Bluegrass silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lindside silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	2K	Moderately 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.

Alfisols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 88% 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 93% 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.