Laurel and Rockcastle 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 Laurel and Rockcastle Counties, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelocta-Highsplint-Rigley complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony, rocky | 53K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Latham complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes, stony | 51K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Latham silt loams, 20 to 30 percent slopes complex | 44K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitley silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rigley-Shelocta-Alticrest complex, 20 to 80 percent slopes, stony, very rocky | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latham silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitley silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Weikert channery silt loam, 40 to 80 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latham silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily fine sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookside-Faywood-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stendal silt loam | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily and Steinsburg fine sandy loams, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitley silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Rigley complex, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steinsburg rocky sandy loam, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caneyville-Shelocta rocky silt loams, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wallen-Clifftop complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes, rocky | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caneyville-Hagerstown rocky silt loams, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 89% 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 89% 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.