Simpson County, Kentucky

Survey Area KY213• Kentucky

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Simpson 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
Mountview silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Pembroke silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Baxter gravelly silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Baxter gravelly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Nicholson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Mountview silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Pembroke silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Lawrence silt loam	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Baxter gravelly silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Nolin silt loam	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Fredonia-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Robertsville silt loam	3K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vertrees silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pembroke silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Baxter gravelly silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Elk silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Nicholson silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	2K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Mountview silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Vertrees silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bewleyville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	1K	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.

Alfisols

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

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.

Mollisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 26% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 29% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

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.