Bourbon and Nicholas Counties, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Bourbon and Nicholas Counties, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eden flaggy silty clay, 20 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded | 57K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Sandview silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bluegrass-Maury silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eden flaggy silty clay, 6 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 20K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| McAfee silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood silty clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nolin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cynthiana-Faywood complex, very rocky, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Bluegrass silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maury-Bluegrass silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elk silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cynthiana-Faywood complex, very rocky, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell variant-Nicholson complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindside silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| McAfee silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 91% 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 97% 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.