Pulaski County, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Pulaski County, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frederick silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Garmon-Trimble complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fredonia very rocky soils, 6 to 30 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bedford silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rigley-Shelocta-Alticrest complex, 20 to 80 percent slopes, stony, very rocky | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muse-Shelocta complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountview silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Shelocta-Jefferson complex, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frankstown cherty silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick-Jefferson complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick silty clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lawrence silt loam | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Highsplint-Rigley complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony, rocky | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mountview silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fredonia-Frederick rocky silt loams, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells fine sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartsells fine sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitley silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% 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 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.