Carter County, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is 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 Carter County, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latham-Shelocta association, steep | 98K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latham-Shelocta silt loams, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Cranston association, steep | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latham silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vandalia-Upshur association, steep | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bledsoe-Caneyville-Rock outcrop association, steep | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caneyville-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latham silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wernock silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wernock silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rigley-Rock outcrop association, steep | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bethesda-Fairpoint complex, 6 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pope fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cotaco loam | 5K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Skidmore gravelly loam, frequently flooded | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stokly fine sandy loam | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily fine sandy loam, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Steinsburg-Latham association, steep | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caneyville silt loam, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 96% 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 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.