Cumberland County, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Cumberland County, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmon-Carpenter-Newbern complex, rocky, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 81K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dewey-Lonewood complex, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newbern-Garmon complex, very rocky, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cynthiana-Faywood-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Renox-Faywood complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caneyville-Lonewood complex, rocky, 6 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chagrin loam, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Renox gravelly loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dewey loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dewey loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rohan channery silt loam, 20 to 50 percent slopes, gullied | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sensabaugh gravelly loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lonewood silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Elk silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Monongahela silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huntington silt loam, overwash | 2K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Faywood-Cynthiana complex, rocky, 12 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nelse fine sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newark silt loam, occasionally flooded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% 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 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.