Monroe County, Kentucky
The most common soil here is Garmon, on about 22% of the land: a channery silt loam, smooth, like flour. Trimble and Waynesboro come next.
About 92% of the land drains well, and 2% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 7% of it.
USDA rates 65% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 65% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 8% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 26% 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 Monroe County, 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 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 Monroe 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmon association, steep | 43K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trimble cherty silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Waynesboro loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Waynesboro loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trimble cherty silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trimble cherty silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bewleyville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Garmon shaly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bewleyville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bedford silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waynesboro loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crider silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Crider silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nolin silt loam | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waynesboro clay loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trimble cherty silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Garmon shaly silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newark silt loam | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick cherty silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sensabaugh gravelly silt loam | 3K | Well drained | A | 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 65% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 65% 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.