Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Survey Area KY648• Kentucky

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Mammoth Cave National Park, 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
Wallen-Bledsoe-Donahue complex, 35 to 50 percent slopes, very rocky	8K	Well drained		Very limited	Very limited
Wallen-Bledsoe-Donahue complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky	6K	Well drained		Very limited	Very limited
Wellston silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Clarkrange silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Jefferson-Lily-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Caneyville-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 20 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lily loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lily loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	2K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Jefferson-Lily-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Caneyville-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wellston silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Nolin silt loam, frequently flooded	2K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Caneyville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	1K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wellston silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Riney silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded	944	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Clarkrange silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	937	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Riney silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	633	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	620			Not rated	Not rated
Caneyville-Lenberg complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes	456	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta-Latham-Gilpin complex, 20 to 30 percent slopes	355	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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 84% 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 85% 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.