Russell County, Kentucky
The most common soil here is Garmon, on about 17% of the land: a channery silt loam, smooth, like flour. Gilpin and Frederick come next.
About 82% of the land drains well, and 2% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 2% of it.
USDA rates 61% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 51% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 48% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Russell County, Kentucky, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
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.