Oldham 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 Oldham County, Kentucky.
| 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 |
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.