Menifee and Rowan Counties, Kentucky
The most common soil here is Latham, on about 19% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Cranston and Berks come next.
About 63% of the land drains well, and 2% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 17% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 95% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 55% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Menifee and Rowan Counties, Kentucky, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Menifee and Rowan Counties, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranston gravelly silt loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks silt loam, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latham-Shelocta silt loams, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rigley stony fine sandy loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latham-Shelocta silt loams, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latham silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookside stony silt loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes (bledsoe) | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steinsburg-Ramsey rocky sandy loams, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latham silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rigley-Donahue complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tilsit silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes - residual & alluvial landforms | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latham silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Clifty silt loam | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muse-Trappist stony silt loams, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tilsit silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes - residual & alluvial landforms | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latham-Shelocta silt loams, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Donahue rocky sandy loam, 6 to 20 percent slopes (caneyville) | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morehead silt loam | 3K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cuba silt loam | 3K | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.