Russell 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 Russell County, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmon-Caneyville association, very steep | 43K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 21K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Gilpin silt loam, 6 to 12 percent | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lonewood loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Caneyville-Garmon association, steep | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountview silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sango silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountview silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lonewood loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Melvin silt loam | 2K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Taft silt loam | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nolin silt loam | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Skidmore gravelly loam | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood silt loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nolin variant, fine sandy loam | 930 | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 750 | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Frederick silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 720 | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 51% 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 61% 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.