Calloway and Marshall Counties, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Calloway and Marshall Counties, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grenada silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 48K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 41K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Purchase-Lax-Brandon complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 32K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Brandon silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 30K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes, severely eroded | 23K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brandon-Purchase-Lax complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 22K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lax-Loring-Feliciana complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 21K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calloway-Kurk complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collins-Iuka complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 15K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Falaya silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brandon-Saffell-Smithdale complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calloway silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saffell-Smithdale-Brandon complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brandon silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rosebloom and Bibb soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enville-Falaya complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Purchase-Lax-Brandon complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Collins-Iuka complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 75% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 88% 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.