Oldham County, Kentucky

Survey Area KY185• Kentucky

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 Oldham 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
Beasley silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Crider silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Nicholson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cynthiana-Faywood-Beasley complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Crider silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Beasley silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Beasley-Caneyville rocky silt loams, 30 to 60 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Caneyville-Beasley rocky silt loams, 12 to 30 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bedford silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Brassfield-Beasley silt loams, 20 to 30 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	4K			Not rated	Not rated
Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Beasley silty clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hagerstown silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Nolin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lowell-Sandview silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Beasley silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lindside silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	2K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Beasley silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Faywood silty clay, 12 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded	1K	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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 48% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 74% 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.