Shelby County, Kentucky

Survey Area KY211• Kentucky

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Shelby 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
Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes	83K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Eden flaggy silty clay, 20 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded	42K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Shelbyville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	38K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Nicholson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	25K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Faywood silty clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lowell-Sandview silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nolin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Eden silty clay loam, 6 to 20 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Faywood silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Beasley silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lowell silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded	2K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Elk silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded	1K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Crider silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Nicholson silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	1K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Woolper-Fairmount complex, 30 to 65 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Otwood silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	930	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lowell-Eden association, steep	800	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Boonewood silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, frequently flooded	720	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Newark silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	700	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Elk silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	670	Well drained	B	Very 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.

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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 80% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 98% 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.