Bracken and Robertson Counties, Kentucky

Survey Area KY637• 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 Bracken and Robertson 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 flaggy silty clay loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded	128K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Eden flaggy silty clay loam, 6 to 20 percent slopes, eroded	26K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lowell silt loam, shale substratum, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lowell silt loam, shale substratum, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	5K			Not rated	Not rated
Cynthiana-Faywood complex, rocky, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nicholson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nolin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Faywood-Cynthiana complex, 6 to 20 percent slopes, eroded	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nicholson silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	1K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Elk silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded	1K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Boonesboro silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, frequently flooded	881	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fairmount flaggy silty clay loam, very rocky, 20 to 60 percent slopes	863	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes	819	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Allegheny loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	672	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Wheeling loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded	605	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Otwood silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded	536	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 12 to 20 percent slopes	479	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Elk silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	418	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Lowell silt loam, shale substratum, 2 to 6 percent slopes	387	Well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Ultisols

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

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 79% 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 96% 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.