Daviess and Hancock Counties, 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 Daviess and Hancock Counties, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belknap silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 49K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellston silt loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 18K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hosmer silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonnie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 16K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frondorf-Wellston silt loams, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frondorf-Wellston silt loams, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elk silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Alford silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Melvin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alford silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Frondorf-Wellston silt loams, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Robbs silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharon silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakeland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alford silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Karnak silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% 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 84% 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.