Madison County, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Madison County, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cynthiana-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood silt loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brassfield silt loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lawrence silt loam | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mercer silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairmount-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Culleoka flaggy silt loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Culleoka flaggy silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eden flaggy clay, 20 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eden flaggy clay, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert channery silt loam, 40 to 80 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelbyville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Beasley silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mercer silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caleast silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Otway silty clay, 12 to 30 percent slopes (shrouts) | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colyer shaly silty clay loam, 12 to 50 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caleast silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.