Pulaski County, Kentucky

Survey Area KY199• Kentucky

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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. 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
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

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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Alfisols

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

Inceptisols

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

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.