Nelson County, Kentucky
The most common soil here is Lowell, on about 13% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Pembroke and Lenberg come next.
About 81% of the land drains well, and 6% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 10% of it.
USDA rates 88% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 78% 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 53% 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 Nelson 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 C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Nelson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pembroke silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lenberg-Weikert complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Sandview silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huntington silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelbyville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colyer shaly silt loam, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock land-Corydon complex (rock outcrop, corydon) | 9K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Eden silty clay, 12 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lenberg silt loam, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lawrence silt loam | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicholson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairmount flaggy clay, 20 to 50 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bedford silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shrouts-Otway complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newark silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trappist silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beasley silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fairmount flaggy clay, 6 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat 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 78% 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 88% 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.