Caldwell County, 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 Caldwell County, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dekalb-Westmoreland-Gilpin complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 26K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zanesville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 22K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crider silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 21K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crider silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zanesville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Faywood complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes, eroded, very stony | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belknap silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicholson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crider-Baxter complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zanesville silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellston silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sadler silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zanesville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicholson silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crider silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharon silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nolin silt loam, occasionally flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland-Dekalb-Gilpin complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Dekalb-Ramsey complex, very steep | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Otwood silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 78% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 89% 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.