Barren County Area, Kentucky
The most common soil here is Baxter, on about 26% of the land: a gravelly silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Vertrees and Dickson come next.
About 78% of the land drains well, and 4% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 10% of it.
USDA rates 58% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 48% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 7% 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 Barren County Area, Kentucky, 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 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 Barren County Area, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dickson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Baxter gravelly silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 23K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cumberland cherty silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded (baxter) | 18K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Talbott cherty silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded (vertrees) | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Baxter gravelly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cumberland cherty silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded (baxter) | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Crider silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clarksville cherty silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded (trimble) | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Talbott cherty silty clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded (vertrees) | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountview silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Clarksville cherty silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded (trimble) | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morganfield silt loam | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bodine cherty silt loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Baxter gravelly silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Garmon silt loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Baxter gravelly silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pembroke silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sango silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Robinsonville gravelly silt loam (sensabaugh) | 5K | Well drained | A | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 48% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 58% 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.