Graves County, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Graves County, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase-Loring complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 57K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 52K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collins silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, very brief duration | 39K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loring silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 39K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Purchase-Loring complex, 4 to 6 percent slopes, severely eroded | 17K | Moderately well drained | D | Not limited | Not limited |
| Brandon-Saffell-Smithdale complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brandon-Smithdale complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collins silt loam, frequently flooded | 11K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brandon-Purchase-Smithdale complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale sandy loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vicksburg silt loam, occasionally flooded | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Falaya silt loam, frequently flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Purchase silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collins-Iuka complex, occasionally flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Falaya silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, very brief duration | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence-Smithdale complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Center silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Purchase-Brandon complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Providence-Purchase complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% 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 76% 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.