Laurel and Rockcastle Counties, Kentucky

Survey Area KY628• Kentucky

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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. 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
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

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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

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

Alfisols

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

Entisols

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

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.