Livingston County, Kentucky

Survey Area KY139• Kentucky

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Livingston County, 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
Hosmer silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	21K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	21K			Not rated	Not rated
Zanesville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded	19K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wellston-Frondorf silt loams, very rocky, 20 to 50 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hosmer silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded	11K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lindside silt loam, frequently flooded	11K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hosmer silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Zanesville silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded	8K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Baxter gravelly silt loam, 20 to 50 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Frondorf silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Newark silt loam, frequently flooded	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nolin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Otwood silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Brandon silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lowell-Faywood complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes, very stony	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Frondorf silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Henshaw silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
McGary silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	4K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hammack silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ashton silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	3K	Well drained	B	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.

Alfisols

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

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.

Entisols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 87% 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 87% 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.