Barren County Area, 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 Barren County Area, Kentucky.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 42% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 51% 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.