Jefferson County, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Jefferson County, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban land-Udorthents complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 23K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land | 22K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Alfic Udarents-Crider complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | Somewhat limited | Not rated | |
| Urban land-Alfic Udarents complex, loamy substratum, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Alfic Udarents complex, clayey substratum-over hard bedrock, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Shrouts silt loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded, very rocky | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udorthents complex, smoothed, 0 to 50 percent slopes | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Crider silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Carpenter silt loam, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beasley silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Faywood-Shrouts-Beasley complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udarents complex, wet substratum, 0 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Alfic Udarents complex, fragipan substratum-over loamy sediment, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Alfic Udarents complex, fragipan substratum-over hard bedrock, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Nolin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Alfic Udarents-Nicholson complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Shrouts silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udorthents complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bedford silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 24% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.