Crittenden County, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Crittenden County, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zanesville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 38K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 30K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lenberg-Frondorf silt loams, 20 to 50 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Baxter gravelly silt loam, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frondorf silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zanesville silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hammack silty clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicholson silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindside silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frondorf silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nolin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newark silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood-Lowell-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frondorf silty clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alford silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zanesville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alford silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicholson silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% 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 94% 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.