McCreary-Whitley Area, 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 McCreary-Whitley Area, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelocta-Highsplint-Sequoia complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes, rocky | 101K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Sequoia complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes, rocky | 66K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wernock-Sequoia complex, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Highsplint-Rigley complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony, rocky | 32K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Bouldin complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes, extremely stony, very rocky | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rigley-Shelocta-Alticrest complex, 20 to 80 percent slopes, stony, very rocky | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sequoia-Wernock complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bethesda and Fairpoint soils, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Lily complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes, rocky | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lily loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wernock-Gilpin-Sequoia complex, 12 to 40 percent slopes, rocky | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atkins-Stokly complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bethesda and Fairpoint soils, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caneyville-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cotaco silt loam | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pope soils, 0 to 4 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wallen-Ramsey-Alticrest complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellston-Tilsit complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nolin-Elk complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 98% 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.