Hopkins County, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Hopkins County, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frondorf-Lenberg silt loams, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belknap silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 42K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 29K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zanesville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zanesville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Karnak silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairpoint-Bethesda complex, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zanesville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 17K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bethesda-Fairpoint complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonnie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 14K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Karnak silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharon silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairpoint-Bethesda complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sadler silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Robbs silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hosmer silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bonnie and Karnak soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, ponded | 7K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steinsburg-Ramsey loams, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| McGary silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 97% 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 97% 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.