Warren County, Kentucky

Survey Area KY227• 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 Warren 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
Crider silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	51K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Baxter gravelly silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	40K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Baxter gravelly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	34K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Fredonia-Vertrees complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, very rocky	25K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ramsey-Frondorf complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes	22K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Caneyville-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Zanesville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	14K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nolin silt loam, frequently flooded	14K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Caneyville-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 20 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Crider-Urban land complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Frondorf silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Crider silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Nicholson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Frondorf silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Caneyville complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Zanesville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lawrence silt loam, rarely flooded	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pembroke silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Hammack silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Baxter gravelly silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very 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.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 56% 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 59% 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.