Simpson County, Kentucky
The most common soil here is Mountview, on about 24% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Baxter and Pembroke come next.
About 88% of the land drains well, and 6% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 6% of it.
USDA rates 31% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 27% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 10% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 3% 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 Simpson 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 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 27% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 31% 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.