Carter County, Kentucky
The most common soil here is Latham, on about 28% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Shelocta and Wernock come next.
About 87% of the land drains well, and 3% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 59% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 95% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 72% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Carter County, Kentucky, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 95% 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 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.