Boyle and Mercer Counties, Kentucky

Survey Area KY606• 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 Boyle and Mercer 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 silty clay loam, 6 to 20 percent slopes	39K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Eden flaggy silty clay, 20 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded	34K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bluegrass-Maury silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
McAfee silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nolin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Fairmount-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Garmon silt loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lowell-Sandview silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Caleast silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Fairmount-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Caleast silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
McAfee silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Carpenter-Lenberg gravelly silt loams, 12 to 30 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Fairmount-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Maury-Bluegrass silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Faywood silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lowell silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded	4K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	4K			Not rated	Not rated
McAfee silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	4K	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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 73% 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 98% 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.