Menifee and Rowan Counties, 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 Menifee and Rowan Counties, Kentucky.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 98% 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 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.