Mammoth Cave National Park, 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 Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky.
| 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 |
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.