Montgomery County, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Montgomery County, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faywood-Lowell complex, 12 to 35 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood-Cynthiana complex, 12 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brassfield-Shrouts-Beasley complex, 12 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tilsit silt loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Berks complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lenberg-Shelocta complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colyer-Trappist complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morehead silt loam, rarely flooded | 4K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Sandview silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crider silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Shelbyville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crider silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Faywood silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huntington silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicholson silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tyler silt loam | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lenberg silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trappist-Colyer-Shelocta complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelbyville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 89% 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 94% 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.