Russell County, Kentucky

Survey Area KY207• 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 Russell 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
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

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.

Inceptisols

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

Alfisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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.