Lyon and Trigg 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 Lyon and Trigg Counties, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 69K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Baxter-Hammack complex, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hammack-Baxter complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Brandon-Saffell complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hammack-Baxter complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicholson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nolin silt loam | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brandon silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crider silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Brandon silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crider-Pembroke silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clifty gravelly silt loam | 11K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindside silt loam | 10K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hammack-Baxter complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lax silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lax silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hammack silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hammack-Baxter complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicholson silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saffell very gravelly silt loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 63% 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.