Clark 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 Clark County, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Sandview silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Otway soils, 20 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Salvisa silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bluegrass-Maury silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Culleoka silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| McAfee silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huntington silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Salvisa silty clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newark silt loam | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McAfee silty clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindside silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelbyville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Eden silty clay loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maury-Bluegrass silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fleming-Shrouts complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes (beasley-shrouts) | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brashear silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rock land (rock outcrop) | 2K | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% 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 98% 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.