Wayne County, Kentucky

Survey Area KY231• Kentucky

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 Wayne 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
Caneyville-Rock outcrop-Standingstone complex, 12 to 35 percent slopes	65K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rigley-Shelocta-Muse complex, steep	47K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Garmon-Caneyville association, very steep	28K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Beetree-Muse-Zenith complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes, stony	27K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Water	24K			Not rated	Not rated
Frederick silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	15K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Beetree-Muse complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes, stony	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Caneyville silt loam, 6 to 20 percent slopes, rocky	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sequoia-Wernock silt loams, 6 to 20 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Frederick silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Caneyville-Garmon association, steep	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nolin silt loam, occasionally flooded	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Mountview silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Allen fine sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Clarksville-Baxter cobbly silt loams, 4 to 12 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Decatur silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Caneyville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Varilla-Beetree-Muse complex, 20 to 45 percent slopes, very stony	3K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Bewleyville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Waynesboro loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	2K	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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 75% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 78% 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.