Lewis County, 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 Lewis County, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berks-Brownsville complex, 30 to 55 percent slopes, very rocky, eroded | 67K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Brownsville-Shelocta complex, 30 to 65 percent slopes, eroded | 51K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Covedale-Trappist silt loams, 20 to 55 percent slopes, eroded | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brownsville-Berks complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes, eroded | 25K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beasley-Shrouts complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes, very rocky, eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blairton silt loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shrouts silty clay loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Skidmore gravelly silt loam, occasionally flooded | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Beasley silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, rocky, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fairmount-Faywood complex, 20 to 55 percent slopes, very rocky, eroded | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caneyville-Hagerstown-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 45 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blairton silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wheeling loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Newark silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta silt loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haymond silt loam, frequently flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Skidmore complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lawrence silt loam | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 92% 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 96% 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.