Ballard and McCracken Counties, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Ballard and McCracken Counties, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grenada silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 34K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 26K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Falaya-Collins complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calloway silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes, severely eroded | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vicksburg silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Routon silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring-Purchase complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring-Purchase complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calloway silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newark-Lindside complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada-Purchase complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Feliciana silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brandon silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huntington and Nolin silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada-Purchase complex, 4 to 6 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huntington-Combs complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 89% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 89% 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.