Knox and Eastern Part of Whitley 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 Knox and Eastern Part of Whitley Counties, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelocta-Latham complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes, stony | 187K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latham-Dekalb complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 73K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stendal silt loam, frequently flooded | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Latham silt loams, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairpoint and Bethesda soils, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta channery silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fairpoint and Bethesda soils, 20 to 70 percent slopes, stony | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wernock silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Latham silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta gravelly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morehead silt loam, rarely flooded | 4K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huntington silt loam, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wernock silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bonnie silt loam, frequently flooded | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latham silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allegheny loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Newark silt loam, occasionally flooded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stokly fine sandy loam, frequently flooded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udorthents complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Whitley silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% 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 95% 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.