Henderson County, Kentucky

Survey Area KY101• Kentucky

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Henderson County, Kentucky. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Belknap silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	23K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	17K			Not rated	Not rated
Hosmer silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	15K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Alford silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Huntington silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hosmer silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded	12K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hosmer silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	11K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Alford silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	10K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Melvin silty clay loam	10K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hosmer silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Allison silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wakeland-Patton overwash, silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Henshaw silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Weinbach silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wakeland silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sciotoville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes (otwell flooded)	6K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Uniontown silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ginat silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Grigsby fine sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, frequently flooded	5K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Patton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 79% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 79% 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

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.