Metcalfe County, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Metcalfe County, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dandridge and Westmoreland shaly silt loams, 20 to 50 percent slopes (dandridge, garmon) | 31K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Baxter gravelly silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Baxter gravelly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Baxter gravelly silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crider silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Huntington silt loam | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Baxter gravelly silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dandridge and Westmoreland silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes (dandridge, garmon) | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dickson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Melvin silt loam | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksville cherty silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Crider silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Taft silt loam | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huntington gravelly silt loam (sensabaugh) | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Baxter gravelly silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bodine cherty silt loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dandridge and Westmoreland shaly silt loams, 12 to 20 percent slopes (dandridge, garmon) | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Captina silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newark silt loam | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caneyville rocky complex, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | 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 70% 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 70% 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.