In cooperation with KentuckyMammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky. General Soil Map The general soil map, which is a color map, shows the survey area divided into groups of associated

United StatesDepartment ofAgriculture

Natural ResourcesConservation Service

In cooperation withUnited States Departmentof the Interior,National Park Service, andKentucky AgriculturalExperiment Station

Soil Survey ofMammoth CaveNational Park,Kentucky

General Soil Map

The general soil map, which is a color map, shows the survey area divided into groupsof associated soils called general soil map units. This map is useful in planning the useand management of large areas.

To find information about your area of interest, locate that area on the map, identifythe name of the map unit in the area on the color-coded map legend, then refer to thesection General Soil Map Units for a general description of the soils in your area.

Detailed Soil Maps

The detailed soil maps can be useful in planning the use and management of smallareas.

To find information about your area of interest, locate that area on the Index to MapSheets. Note the number of the map sheet and go to that sheet.

Locate your area of interest on the map sheet. Note the map unit symbols that are inthat area. Go to the Contents, which lists the map units by symbol and name andshows the page where each map unit is described.

The Contents shows which table has data on a specific land use for each detailedsoil map unit. Also see the Contents for sections of this publication that may addressyour specific needs.

How To Use This Soil Survey

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Additional information about the Nation’s natural resources is available onlinefrom the Natural Resources Conservation Service at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov.

This soil survey is a publication of the National Cooperative Soil Survey, a joint effort ofthe United States Department of Agriculture and the National Park Service, Stateagencies including the Agricultural Experiment Stations, and local agencies. The NaturalResources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) has leadershipfor the Federal part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey.

Major fieldwork for this soil survey was completed in 2009. Soil names anddescriptions were approved in 2009. Unless otherwise indicated, statements in thispublication refer to conditions in the survey area in 2009. This survey was madecooperatively by the Natural Resources Conservation Service; the United StatesDepartment of the Interior, National Park Service; and the Kentucky AgriculturalExperiment Station. The survey is part of the technical assistance furnished to theNational Park Service.

Soil maps in this survey may be copied without permission. Enlargement of thesemaps, however, could cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping. If enlarged,maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at alarger scale.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all ofits programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability,political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited basesapply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means forcommunication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) shouldcontact the USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice or TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call 202-720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider andemployer.

Citation

The correct citation for this survey is as follows:

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2010.Soil survey of Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky.

Cover Caption

Main entrance to Mammoth Cave in Mammoth Cave National Park.

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ContentsCover ............................................................................................................................. iHow To Use This Soil Survey .................................................................................... iiiContents .......................................................................................................................vForeword ..................................................................................................................... xiIntroduction ................................................................................................................ 1

General Nature of the Survey Area .......................................................................... 1How This Survey Was Made .................................................................................... 5

General Soil Map Units .............................................................................................. 71. Wallen-Caneyville-Bledsoe ................................................................................ 72. Hagerstown-Fredonia ........................................................................................ 73. Wellston-Clarkrange .......................................................................................... 84. Lily-Jefferson-Riney ........................................................................................... 85. Gilpin-Rosine-Shelocta .................................................................................... 106. Nolin .................................................................................................................117. Water ................................................................................................................ 11

Detailed Soils Map Units .......................................................................................... 13AlC2—Allegheny loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded ............................................. 14AlD2—Allegheny loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded ........................................... 15CaC2—Caneyville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded...................................... 17CaD—Caneyville silt loam, 6 to 20 percent slopes, very rocky .................................. 18CaD2—Caneyville silty clay loam, 6 to 20 percent slopes, eroded, very rocky .......... 19CaE—Caneyville silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, very rocky ................................. 21CeD—Caneyville-Lenberg complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes ...................................... 22CgE—Caneyville-Lenberg-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 30 percent slopes .............. 24ChC2—Christian gravelly loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded ................................ 26ChC3—Christian gravelly sandy clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely

eroded .................................................................................................................... 28ChD2—Christian gravelly loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded .............................. 29ChD3—Christian gravelly sandy clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely

eroded .................................................................................................................... 30CkD—Caneyville-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 20 percent slopes .............................. 31CkE—Caneyville-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes ............................ 33Cn—Chagrin loam, frequently flooded ....................................................................... 34CoB—Clarkrange silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes ...................................................... 36CoC—Clarkrange silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes ................................................... 37Cp—Clifty gravelly silt loam, frequently flooded ......................................................... 38CrB—Crider silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes .............................................................. 39CrC2—Crider silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded ............................................. 41EkB—Elk silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded ........................................... 42EkC—Elk silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, rarely flooded ......................................... 43FaB—Fredonia-Hagerstown complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes, rocky .......................... 44FaC2—Fredonia-Hagerstown complex, 6 to 20 percent slopes, eroded, very

rocky ...................................................................................................................... 46FaC3—Fredonia-Hagerstown complex, 6 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded,

very rocky ............................................................................................................... 48

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FdC—Fredonia-Hagerstown-Vertrees silt loams, 6 to 20 percent slopes, veryrocky ................................................................................................................ 50

FdD2—Fredonia silty clay loam, 6 to 20 percent slopes, eroded, very rocky ......... 53GaB—Gatton silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes ........................................................ 54Gg—Grigsby fine sandy loam, frequently flooded .................................................. 55GnB2—Gilpin loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded ................................................ 56GnC2—Gilpin loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded .............................................. 57GnD2—Gilpin loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded ............................................ 59GnD3—Gilpin loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded ............................. 60Gp—Grigsby fine sandy loam, ponded .................................................................. 61JfD—Jefferson-Lily-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes .................... 63JfE—Jefferson-Lily-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes ..................... 65Jo—Johnsburg silt loam......................................................................................... 67LaC2—Latham silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded ...................................... 68Ln—Lindside silt loam, occasionally flooded .......................................................... 69LnC2—Lenberg silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded ..................................... 70LyB—Lily loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes .................................................................... 72LyC2—Lily loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded ................................................... 73LyD2—Lily loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded ................................................. 74Me—Melvin silt loam, frequently flooded ............................................................... 75Mp—Melvin silt loam, ponded ................................................................................ 77Ne—Newark silt loam, frequently flooded .............................................................. 78NhD2—Nolichucky loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded .................................... 79Nk—Newark silt loam, ponded ............................................................................... 80No—Nolin silt loam, frequently flooded .................................................................. 81Np—Nolin silt loam, ponded................................................................................... 83OwB—Otwood silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, occasionally flooded .................... 84PbB—Pembroke silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes ................................................... 85PbC2—Pembroke silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded ................................. 86PeC3—Pembroke silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded .......... 88ReB2—Riney silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded ........................................... 89ReC2—Riney silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded......................................... 90ReD2—Riney silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded....................................... 91ReE—Riney silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes ...................................................... 93RnB—Riney loam, karst, 2 to 6 percent slopes ..................................................... 94Ro—Rock outcrop, 20 to 40 percent slopes .......................................................... 95RoB—Rosine silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes ........................................................ 96RoC2—Rosine silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded ...................................... 97RoD2—Rosine silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded .................................... 98RxE—Rock outcrop-Caneyville complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes ........................ 99RxF—Rock outcrop-Caneyville complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes ...................... 101SaB—Sano silt loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes ......................................................... 103SgD2—Shelocta-Latham-Gilpin complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded ........ 104SgE—Shelocta-Latham-Gilpin complex, 20 to 30 percent slopes ....................... 107TsB—Tilsit silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes .......................................................... 109

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VrC2—Vertrees silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded .................................... 110W—Water ............................................................................................................. 112WbE—Wallen-Bledsoe-Donahue complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very

rocky ............................................................................................................... 112WbF—Wallen-Bledsoe-Donahue complex, 35 to 50 percent slopes, very

rocky ............................................................................................................... 115WeB—Wellston silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes ................................................... 117WeC2—Wellston silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded .................................. 119WeD—Wellston silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes .............................................. 120WsC3—Wellston silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded .......... 121ZaB—Zanesville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes ................................................. 123ZaC2—Zanesville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded ................................ 124

Use and Management of the Soils ........................................................................ 127Interpretive Ratings .............................................................................................. 127

Rating Class Terms ......................................................................................... 127Numerical Ratings ........................................................................................... 128

Land Capability Classification .............................................................................. 128Prime Farmland and Other Important Farmlands ................................................ 129Major Land Resource Areas ................................................................................ 130Hydric Soils .......................................................................................................... 130Forestland Productivity ......................................................................................... 131Land Management ............................................................................................... 131Recreation............................................................................................................ 133Engineering .......................................................................................................... 134

Building Site Development ............................................................................... 135Sanitary Facilities ............................................................................................. 136Construction Materials ..................................................................................... 138Water Management ......................................................................................... 140

Soil Properties ........................................................................................................ 141Engineering Index Properties ............................................................................... 141Physical Properties .............................................................................................. 142Erosion Properties ............................................................................................... 144Chemical Properties............................................................................................. 144Water Features .................................................................................................... 145Soil Features ........................................................................................................ 146Soil Organic Carbon ............................................................................................. 147Physical and Chemical Analyses of Selected Soils .............................................. 147Mineralogy of Selected Soils ................................................................................ 148Engineering Index Test Data ................................................................................ 148

Classification of the Soils ..................................................................................... 149Soil Series and Their Morphology ............................................................................ 149

Allegheny Series .................................................................................................. 150Bledsoe Series ..................................................................................................... 151Caneyville Series ................................................................................................. 153Chagrin Series ..................................................................................................... 155

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Christian Series .................................................................................................... 157Clarkrange Series ................................................................................................ 158Clifty Series .......................................................................................................... 162Crider Series ........................................................................................................ 163Donahue Series ................................................................................................... 165Elk Series ............................................................................................................. 167Fredonia Series .................................................................................................... 168Gatton Series ....................................................................................................... 170Gilpin Series ......................................................................................................... 172Grigsby Series ..................................................................................................... 174Hagerstown Series ............................................................................................... 175Jefferson Series ................................................................................................... 177Johnsburg Series ................................................................................................. 179Latham Series ...................................................................................................... 181Lenberg Series ..................................................................................................... 183Lily Series ............................................................................................................ 185Lindside Series .................................................................................................... 186Melvin Series ....................................................................................................... 188Newark Series...................................................................................................... 190Nolichucky Series ................................................................................................ 191Nolin Series .......................................................................................................... 193Otwood Series ..................................................................................................... 195Pembroke Series ................................................................................................. 197Riney Series ......................................................................................................... 198Rosine Series ....................................................................................................... 201Sano Series ......................................................................................................... 203Shelocta Series .................................................................................................... 205Tilsit Series .......................................................................................................... 207Vertrees Series .................................................................................................... 209Wallen Series ....................................................................................................... 212Wellston Series .................................................................................................... 213Zanesville Series .................................................................................................. 215

Formation of the Soils ........................................................................................... 219References .............................................................................................................. 223Glossary .................................................................................................................. 227Tables ...................................................................................................................... 241

Table 1.—Temperature and Precipitation ......................................................... 242Table 2.—Freeze Dates in Spring and Fall ...................................................... 243Table 3.—Growing Season .............................................................................. 243Table 4.—Acres, Hectares, and Proportionate Extent of the Map Units .......... 244Table 5.—Land Capability Classification .......................................................... 246Table 6.—Prime and Other Important Farmlands ............................................ 251Table 7.—Hydric Soils ...................................................................................... 253Table 8.—Forestland Productivity .................................................................... 254Table 9.—Hazard of Erosion and Suitability for Roads .................................... 270

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Issued 2010

Table 10.—Land Management - Planting......................................................... 279Table 11.—Land Management - Site Preparation ............................................ 288Table 12.—Land Management - Site Restoration ............................................ 295Table 13.—Camp and Picnic Areas ................................................................. 303Table 14.—Trail Management .......................................................................... 312Table 15.—Dwellings and Small Commercial Buildings ................................... 319Table 16.—Roads and Streets, Shallow Excavations, and Landscaping ......... 329Table 17.—Sewage Disposal ........................................................................... 342Table 18.—Landfills ......................................................................................... 354Table 19.—Source of Gravel and Sand ........................................................... 365Table 20.—Source of Reclamation Material, Roadfill, and Topsoil .................. 374Table 21.—Ponds and Embankments ............................................................. 388Table 22.—Engineering Index Properties ........................................................ 398Table 23.—Physical Soil Properties ................................................................. 418Table 24.—Erosion Properties of Soils ............................................................ 428Table 25.—Chemical Soil Properties ............................................................... 437Table 26.—Water Features .............................................................................. 447Table 27.—Soil Features ................................................................................. 458Table 28.—Soil Organic Carbon ...................................................................... 465Table 29.—Physical Analysis of Selected Soils ............................................... 472Table 30.—Chemical Analysis of Selected Soils .............................................. 473Table 31.—Mineralogy of Selected Soils ......................................................... 474Table 32.—Engineering Index Test Data .......................................................... 475Table 33.—Taxonomic Classification of the Soils ............................................ 476

Appendices ............................................................................................................. 477Appendix A.—Index of Common Names, Plant Symbols, and Scientific

Names ........................................................................................................... 478Appendix B.—Index of Plant Symbols, Common Names, and Scientific

Names ........................................................................................................... 480

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This soil survey was developed in conjunction with the National Park ServiceInventory and Monitoring Program and is intended to serve as the official sourcedocument for soils occurring within Mammoth Cave National Park.

This soil survey contains information that affects current and future land useplanning in the park. It contains predictions of soil behavior for selected land uses. Thesurvey highlights soil limitations, actions needed to overcome the limitations, and theimpact of selected land uses on the environment. This soil survey is designed to meetthe needs of the National Park Service and their partners for a better understanding ofthe various soil properties present in the park and their affect on various naturalecological properties in order to understand, protect, and enhance the environment.

Various land use regulations of Federal, State, and local governments may imposespecial restrictions on land use or land treatment. The information in this report isintended to identify soil properties that are used in making various land use or landtreatment decisions. Statements made in this report are intended to help the landusers identify and reduce the effects of soil limitations on various land uses. Thelandowner or user is responsible for identifying and complying with existing laws andregulations. Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances.Some soils are seasonally wet or subject to flooding. Some are shallow to bedrock.Some are too unstable to be used as a foundation for buildings or roads. Clayey orwet soils are poorly suited to use as septic tank absorption fields. A high water tablemakes a soil poorly suited to basements or underground installations.

These and many other soil properties that affect land use are described in this soilsurvey. Broad areas of soils are shown on the general soil map. The location of eachmap unit is shown on the detailed soil maps. Each soil in the survey area is described,and information on specific uses is given. Help in using this publication and additionalinformation are available at the local office of the Natural Resources ConservationService or the office of Mammoth Cave National Park.

Thomas A. PerrinState ConservationistNatural Resources Conservation Service

Foreword

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MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK is located in parts of Barren, Edmonson, and HartCounties, Kentucky (fig. 1). The park encompasses the longest known cave system inthe world (over 340 miles) and has approximately 80 square miles of surface area(Bruckner and Watson, 1976). The surface is composed of rugged hills, deepsinkholes, and valleys and is intersected by the scenic Green River. Over 60 miles oftrails make the park’s surface features accessible to hikers.

Mammoth Cave became a national park in 1941 (Goode, 1986). Because of itsimportant international significance as both a natural and a cultural site, it wasdesignated by the United Nations as a “World Heritage Site” in 1981. Because of itsinternationally significant and diverse biology, it was designated as an “InternationalMan in the Biosphere Reserve” in 1990. In 1991, the park celebrated its 50thanniversary as our nation’s 26th national park.

General Nature of the Survey AreaThis section provides general information about the survey area. It discusses the

history, geology, and climate in and around Mammoth Cave National Park.

History

Mammoth Cave, according to a local legend handed down for many years, wasdiscovered in the late 1790’s by a Kentucky bear hunter chasing a wounded bear intothe gaping mouth of a cave, a place now known as the Historic Entrance (fig. 2). Thevalidity of the story, however, is sometimes brought into question by historians.

John Flatt retained ownership of the cave for a few years and then sold the tract tothe McClean (also spelled McLean) brothers of Virginia—George, John, and Leonard.It is generally believed by historians that the McClean brothers were the first tocommercially mine saltpeter from the cave. (John Flatt may have mined saltpeter on avery small scale.)

In January 1810, a tract containing Mammoth Cave and 156 acres of surroundingland was sold by the McCleans to Fleming Gatewood and Charles Wilkins. By this

Soil Survey ofMammoth Cave NationalPark, KentuckyBy William H. Craddock and Susan B. Southard, Natural Resources ConservationService

Soils surveyed by David Gehring, John Jenkins, and William Craddock, NaturalResources Conservation Service

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Servicein cooperation withUnited States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, and KentuckyAgricultural Experiment Station

Soil Survey of Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

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time, the growing talk of an embargo and the possibility of war with Great Britain wascreating great interest in the production of saltpeter for the manufacture of gunpowder.

During the War of 1812, the partnership of Charles Wilkins and Hyman Gratz (Gratzbought Gatewood’s half-interest in the partnership in 1912) mined significant quantitiesof high-quality saltpeter from Mammoth Cave and eventually from other caves in thearea, including Dixon Cave. They sold the saltpeter to E.I. du Pont de Nemours andCompany. As it was manufactured at the time, gunpowder (known commonly as blackpowder) consisted of about 80 percent saltpeter and 20 percent a mixture of sulphurand charcoal.

It is not known exactly how much saltpeter was mined at Mammoth Cave during theWar of 1812. The records do indicate that du Pont sold at least 750,000 pounds ofsaltpeter. Even considering that there was approximately 275,000 pounds on handprior to the commencement of hostilities, a significant quantity of saltpeter waspurchased by du Pont from Wilkins and others during the war.

In 1838 (1837 according to some sources), Mammoth Cave and approximately2,000 acres of surrounding land were sold by Gratz (Charles Wilkins died in 1828) to aGlasgow, Kentucky native, Franklin Gorin. Gorin made improvements in the log “hotel”and the road to the property for the increasing numbers of curious visitors. Gorin soldthe cave in 1839 to Louisville physician Dr. John Croghan. Under Croghan’sownership, Mammoth Cave saw its greatest growth as a visitor attraction.

In addition to purchasing the cave and associated facilities, Dr. Croghan receivedthe ownership of a remarkable slave named Stephen Bishop. Bishop became themost written and talked about Mammoth Cave guide during the 1840’s and 1850’s.Visitors having read published travel logs began requesting Stephen Bishop as theirguide (Bruckner and Watson, 1976).

Dr. Croghan eventually died of consumption and, having no children of his own,willed the Mammoth Cave Estate to his nieces and nephews. These absentee heirsmanaged the estate through legal trustees who leased the property and maintainedsupervision of the cave business by way of resident managers. This method ofmanagement for Mammoth Cave continued until the death of the last Croghan heir,Mrs. Serena Croghan Rogers, in 1925.

Fearing the Mammoth Cave Estate might be put up for public sale, severalKentucky businessmen, with the support of the Louisville and Nashville railroad,formed the Mammoth Cave National Park Association in 1924 in order to promote theidea of Mammoth Cave as a national park.

Figure 1.—Location of Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky.


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In 1926, at the urging of the association and other interested people, Congresseventually passed legislation formally authorizing the creation of the park. Because ofthis legislation, the park was to be a natural recreation area and acquisition of thelands for the park was to be by private donation or through State or private funds.

The State of Kentucky supported the national park movement by establishing theKentucky National Park Commission in 1928. This commission provided forcondemnation of land in State courts, expediting the land acquisition process. By1941, approximately 48,000 acres had been acquired. In July of that year, Congress

Figure 2.—The Historic Entrance to Mammoth Cave in an area of Wallen-Bledsoe-Donahuecomplex, 35 to 50 percent slopes, very rocky.


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passed legislation formally establishing Mammoth Cave as the nation’s 26th nationalpark.

Physical Geology

Mammoth Cave National Park lies within the Western Coalfields PhysiographicRegion (Bailey and Winsor, 1964). The surface bedrock consists of Pennsylvanian-age and Mississippian-age materials. The Pennsylvanian-age rocks underliemoderately wide ridges and hillsides at the highest elevations (McFarlan, 1943).Parent materials include conglomerates, sandstones, and siltstones. These bedrocksare part of the Caseyville and Pottsville Formation (USGS, 1964).

At the lower elevations, the park lies in the upper Mississippian-age material.Formations within the park are Glen Dean Limestone, Hardinsburg Sandstone, theHaney Limestone member, the Big Clifty Sandstone member, Girkin, and Ste.Genevieve Limestone (USGS, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, and 1968).

Smooth and broad ridges are commonly underlain by the Hardinsburg Sandstonemember. The hillsides below the broad ridges generally have Mississippian-age rockof the Big Clifty Formation. The Girkin Formation lies directly below the Big CliftyFormation in most areas. It is characterized by deep dissected hillsides and karstvalleys.

Most caves occur in the lower part of the Girkin Formation and throughout the Ste.Genevieve Limestone. The Ste. Genevieve Limestone Formation occurs at or abovethe water level of the Green River. It is at the lowest elevations. Many mapped areasare in karst or depressional landscapes.

Hydrogeology

The Mammoth Cave karst aquifer owes the majority of its recharge to areas outsidethe park boundary. This recharge, in the form of precipitation or the injection of liquidwastes, enters the aquifer through numerous sinking streams and countlesssinkholes. Any practices that may have an adverse impact on water quality within thepark’s recharge area can directly impact the park’s water quality.

The Mammoth Cave karst aquifer exhibits convergent flow, much like theconvergent flow patterns of a dendritic surface stream system. While other aquifersmay possess diffuse flow, in which contaminants slowly disperse, the convergent flowof the Mammoth Cave karst aquifer channels recharge and pollutants toward acommon trunk conduit or spring (White and White, 1989).

Flow through the Mammoth Cave karst aquifer can be very rapid, on the order ofthousands to ten thousands of feet per day. Contaminants entering the karst aquifercan thus be rapidly transported, unaltered, through the conduit system.

The first aquifer is very dynamic, that is, it responds instantaneously to rainfall.Aquifer stage can rise tens of feet in a matter of hours (there are numerous recordsshowing stage rises of nearly 100 feet over the course of one day). Also, chemical andbacteriological properties of the ground water can change dramatically followingrainfall events. These stage rises can actuate high level overflow routes betweenground-water basins and thus direct flow in different directions depending on aquiferconditions.

Climate

Table 1 gives data on temperature and precipitation for the survey area as recordedat Mammoth Cave National Park in the period 1971 to 2000. Table 2 shows probabledates of the first freeze in fall and the last freeze in spring. Table 3 provides data onthe length of the growing season.


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In winter, the average temperature is 37.3 degrees F and the average dailyminimum temperature is 27.4 degrees. The lowest temperature on record, whichoccurred on February 2, 1951, is -21 degrees. In summer, the average temperature is74.9 degrees and the average daily maximum temperature is 86.7 degrees. Thehighest temperature on record, which occurred on July 27, 1952, is 108 degrees.

Growing degree days are shown in table 1. They are equivalent to “heat units.”During the month, growing degree days accumulate by the amount that the averagetemperature each day exceeds a base temperature (40 degrees F). The normalmonthly accumulation is used to schedule single or successive plantings of a cropbetween the last freeze in spring and the first freeze in fall.

The average annual total precipitation is 52.07 inches. Of this, 29.96 inches, orabout 58 percent, usually falls in April through October. The growing season for mostcrops falls within this period. The heaviest 1-day rainfall during the period of recordwas 6.80 inches, recorded in May 1984. Thunderstorms occur on about 40 days eachyear, and most occur in July.

The average seasonal snowfall is 11.8 inches. The greatest snow depth at any onetime during the period of record was 14 inches, recorded on November 2, 1966. On anaverage, 11 days per year have at least 1 inch of snow on the ground. The heaviest 1-day snowfall on record was 16 inches, recorded in March 1960.

The average relative humidity in mid-afternoon is about 58 percent. Humidity ishigher at night, and the average at dawn is about 81 percent. The sun shines 67percent of the time in summer and 42 percent in winter. The prevailing wind is fromthe south. Average windspeed is highest, 9.2 miles per hour, in January.

How This Survey Was MadeThis survey was made in conjunction with the National Park Service’s Soil Inventory

and Monitoring Program to provide information about the soils and miscellaneousareas within Mammoth Cave National Park.

The Mammoth Cave National Park soil survey area was established in 2009 andwas a part of three existing soil surveys: the soil survey of Butler and EdmonsonCounties, Kentucky (USDA-NRCS, 2005); the soil survey of Hart County, Kentucky(USDA-SCS, 1993); and the soil survey of Barren County, Kentucky (USDA-SCS,1969). The Mammoth Cave National Park soil survey was initiated in 2009. Fieldworkfor the project commenced and ended in 2009 and involved field verification of theexisting data that was in the three existing soil surveys and an interim report (USDA-SCS, 1994).

During the previous soil surveys, site index data and soil component relationshipswere observed and soil-site correlation concepts were established to help in designingthe map units. Soil and plant specialists tested the concepts during mapping andcollected field documentation at numerous points across the landscape. In 2009, fieldverification of these data was performed.

The information includes a description of the soils and miscellaneous areas andtheir location and a discussion of their suitability, limitations, and management forspecified uses. Soil scientists observed the steepness, length, and shape of theslopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds of native plants; and the kinds ofbedrock. They dug many holes to study the soil profile, which is the sequence ofnatural layers, or horizons, in a soil. The profile extends from the surface down into theunconsolidated material in which the soil formed. The unconsolidated material isdevoid of roots and other living organisms and has not been changed by otherbiological activity.

The soils and miscellaneous areas in the survey area are in an orderly pattern thatis related to the geology, landforms, relief, climate, and natural vegetation of the area.Each kind of soil and miscellaneous area is associated with a particular kind of


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landform or with a segment of the landform. By observing the soils and miscellaneousareas in the survey area and relating their position to specific segments of thelandform, a soil scientist develops a concept, or model, of how they were formed.Thus, during mapping, this model enables the soil scientist to predict with aconsiderable degree of accuracy the kind of soil or miscellaneous area at a specificlocation on the landscape.

Commonly, individual soils on the landscape merge into one another as theircharacteristics gradually change. To construct an accurate soil map, however, soilscientists must determine the boundaries between the soils. They can observe only alimited number of soil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations, supplemented by anunderstanding of the soil-vegetation-landscape relationship, are sufficient to verifypredictions of the kinds of soil in an area and to determine the boundaries.

Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of the soil profiles that they studied. Theynoted soil color, texture, size and shape of soil aggregates, kind and amount of rockfragments, distribution of plant roots, reaction, and other features that enable them toidentify soils. After describing the soils in the survey area and determining theirproperties, the soil scientists assigned the soils to taxonomic classes (units).

Taxonomic classes are concepts. Each taxonomic class has a set of soilcharacteristics with precisely defined limits. The classes are used as a basis forcomparison to classify soils systematically. Soil taxonomy, the system of taxonomicclassification used in the United States, is based mainly on the kind and character ofsoil properties and the arrangement of horizons within the profile. After the soilscientists classified and named the soils in the survey area, they compared theindividual soils with similar soils in the same taxonomic class in other areas so thatthey could confirm data and assemble additional data based on experience andresearch.

While the previous three soil surveys were in progress, samples of some of thesoils in the area generally were collected for laboratory analyses and for engineeringtests. Soil scientists interpret the data from these analyses and tests as well as thefield-observed characteristics and the soil properties to determine the expectedbehavior of the soils under different uses. Interpretations for all of the soils are fieldtested through observation of the soils in different uses and under different levels ofmanagement. Some interpretations are modified to fit local conditions, and some newinterpretations are developed to meet local needs.

Predictions about soil behavior are based not only on soil properties but also onsuch variables as climate and biological activity. Soil conditions are predictable overlong periods of time, but they are not predictable from year to year. For example, soilscientists can predict with a fairly high degree of accuracy that a given soil will have ahigh water table within certain depths in most years, but they cannot predict that a highwater table will always be at a specific level in the soil on a specific date.

After soil scientists located and identified the significant natural bodies of soil in thesurvey area, they delineated the boundaries of these bodies on digital imagery andidentified each as a specific map unit. The existing SSURGO maps (from the threepreviously mapped surveys) were adjusted to match the current boundary of the parkthat was provided by the National Park Service in 2009. A soil map legend wasdeveloped from the map units occurring within the Mammoth Cave boundary.

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The general soil map in this publication show broad areas that have a distinctivepattern of soils, relief, and drainage. The map units on the general soil map are uniquenatural landscapes. Typically, they consist of one or more major soils or miscellaneousareas and some minor soils or miscellaneous areas. They are named for the majorsoils or miscellaneous areas. The components of one map unit can occur in anotherbut in a different pattern.

The general soil map can be used to compare the suitability of large areas forgeneral land uses. Areas of suitable soils can be identified on the maps. Likewise,areas where the soils are not suitable can be identified.

Because of their small scale, the maps are not suitable for planning themanagement of a farm or a field or for selecting a site for a road or building or otherstructure. The soils in any one map unit differ from place to place in slope, depth,drainage, and other characteristics that affect management.

1. Wallen-Caneyville-BledsoeSloping to very steep, very deep to moderately deep, well drained and somewhatexcessively drained soils that have a clayey or loamy subsoil; formed in colluviumover residuum weathered from limestone, sandstone, or shale or residuum weatheredfrom limestone or weathered from sandstone on narrow ridges, hillslopes, andfootslopes throughout the survey area

This map unit makes up about 44 percent of the survey area. It is about 27 percentWallen and similar soils, 25 percent Caneyville and similar soils, 24 percent Bledsoeand similar soils, and 24 percent soils of minor extent (fig. 3). Of minor extent in thismap unit are Clarkrange, Wellston, Donahue, Newark, Lily, and Nolin soils. Alsoincluded are areas of Rock outcrop.

This map unit is mostly in mixed hardwoods, mainly oak with some easternredcedar. It is used primarily for recreation and wildlife.

Please refer to the detailed map unit descriptions, taxonomic descriptions, andtables for specific information.

2. Hagerstown-FredoniaGently sloping to strongly sloping, deep and moderately deep, well drained soils thathave a clayey subsoil; formed in residuum from limestone on karst ridgetops andhillslopes mostly in the east and southeast portions of the survey area

This map unit makes up about 1 percent of the survey area. It is about 48 percentHagerstown and similar soils, 40 percent Fredonia and similar soils, and 12 percentsoils of minor extent (fig. 4). Of minor extent in this map unit are Crider, Vertrees, andNolin soils. Also included are areas of Rock outcrop.

This map unit is mostly in mixed hardwoods and eastern redcedar. Some areashave second-growth trees. The unit is used primarily for recreation and wildlife.


General Soil Map Units


8

3. Wellston-ClarkrangeGently sloping to strongly sloping, very deep, well drained and moderately well drainedsoils that have a silty subsoil; formed in loess over residuum from weatheredsandstone and siltstone or loess over residuum from weathered sandstone and shaleon ridgetops and hillsides

This map unit makes up about 23 percent of the survey area. It is about 48 percentWellston and similar soils, 42 percent Clarkrange and similar soils, and 10 percentsoils of minor extent (fig. 5). Of minor extent in this map unit are Lily and Nolin soils.

This map unit is mostly in mixed hardwoods, mainly oak. It is used primarily forrecreation and wildlife.


4. Lily-Jefferson-RineyGently sloping to steep, moderately deep to very deep, well drained soils that have aloamy subsoil; formed in loamy residuum from weathered sandstone, loamy residuumfrom weathered sandstone and shale, or loamy colluvium derived from sandstone,shale, or siltstone on hillslopes and footslopes mostly in the northern portion of thesurvey area

This map unit makes up about 25 percent of the survey area. It is about 42 percentLily and similar soils, 24 percent Jefferson and similar soils, 12 percent Riney andsimilar soils, and 22 percent soils of minor extent (fig. 6). Of minor extent in this mapunit are Wellston and Wallen soils. Also included are areas of Rock outcrop.

Figure 3.—Typical pattern of soils and underlying material in the Wallen-Caneyville-Bledsoegeneral soil map unit.


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Figure 4.—Typical pattern of soils and underlying material in the Hagerstown-Fredonia generalsoil map unit.

Figure 5.—Typical pattern of soils and underlying material in the Wellston-Clarkrange general soilmap unit.


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This map unit is mostly in mixed hardwoods, mainly oak. It is used primarily forrecreation and wildlife.


5. Gilpin-Rosine-SheloctaSloping to steep, moderately deep to very deep, well drained soils that have a loamysubsoil; formed in residuum weathered from sandstone, in loess over residuumweathered from shale, or in loamy colluvium over residuum weathered from sandstoneor shale on narrow ridetops, hillslopes, and footslopes in areas south of the GreenRiver

This map unit makes up almost 2 percent of the survey area. It is about 30 percentGilpin and similar soils, 29 percent Rosine and similar soils, 16 percent Shelocta andsimilar soils, and 25 percent soils of minor extent (fig. 7). Of minor extent in this mapunit are Clarkrange, Lily, Latham, and Wellston soils.

This map unit is mostly in mixed hardwoods, mainly oak. It is used for recreationand wildlife.


Figure 6.—Typical pattern of soils and underlying material in the Lily-Jefferson-Riney general soilmap unit.


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Figure 7.—Typical pattern of soils and underlying material in the Gilpin-Rosine-Shelocta generalsoil map unit.

6. NolinNearly level, very deep, well drained soils that have a silty subsoil; formed in alluviumon karst upland depressions and flood plains mostly along the Green River and itsmajor tributaries and upland depressions

This map unit makes up almost 4 percent of the survey area. It is about 80 percentNolin and similar soils and 20 percent soils of minor extent.

Of minor extent in this map unit are Grigsby, Elk, Chagrin, and Clifty soils.This map unit is primarily in mixed hardwoods. Some areas have second-growth

trees, and some areas have grass with scattered trees. The unit is used primarily forrecreation and wildlife.


7. WaterThis map unit is comprised mostly of the Green River and includes some ponds. It

makes up about 1 percent of the survey area. It is about 98 percent water and 2percent soils of minor extent. Of minor extent in this map unit are Grigsby and Nolinsoils primarily on small islands in the Green River. This unit is used primarily forrecreation, wildlife, and navigation.

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The map units delineated on the detailed maps at the back of this survey representthe soils or miscellaneous areas in the survey area. The map unit descriptions in thissection, along with the maps, can be used to determine the suitability and potential ofa unit for specific uses. They also can be used to plan the management needed forthose uses. More information about each map unit is given under the heading “Useand Management of the Soils.”

A map unit delineation on a map represents an area dominated by one or moremajor kinds of soil or miscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified and namedaccording to the taxonomic classification of the dominant soils or miscellaneous areas.Within a taxonomic class there are precisely defined limits for the properties of thesoils. On the landscape, however, the soils and miscellaneous areas are naturalphenomena, and they have the characteristic variability of all natural phenomena.Thus, the range of some observed properties may extend beyond the limits defined fora taxonomic class. Areas of soils of a single taxonomic class rarely, if ever, can bemapped without including areas of other taxonomic classes. Consequently, every mapunit is made up of the soils or miscellaneous areas for which it is named and some“included” areas that belong to other taxonomic classes.

Most included soils have properties similar to those of the dominant soil or soils inthe map unit, and thus they do not affect use and management. These are callednoncontrasting, or similar, inclusions. They may or may not be mentioned in the mapunit description. Other included soils and miscellaneous areas, however, haveproperties and behavioral characteristics divergent enough to affect use or to requiredifferent management. These are called contrasting, or dissimilar, inclusions. Theygenerally are in small areas and could not be mapped separately because of the scaleused. Some small areas of strongly contrasting soils or miscellaneous areas areidentified by a special symbol on the maps. The included areas of contrasting soils ormiscellaneous areas are mentioned in the map unit descriptions. A few included areasmay not have been observed, and consequently they are not mentioned in thedescriptions, especially where the pattern was so complex that it was impractical tomake enough observations to identify all the soils and miscellaneous areas on thelandscape.

The presence of included areas in a map unit in no way diminishes the usefulnessor accuracy of the data. The objective of mapping is not to delineate pure taxonomicclasses but rather to separate the landscape into landforms or landform segments thathave similar use and management requirements. The delineation of such segmentson the map provides sufficient information for the development of resource plans, butif intensive use of small areas is planned, onsite investigation is needed to define andlocate the soils and miscellaneous areas.

An identifying symbol precedes the map unit name in the map unit descriptions.Each description includes general facts about the unit and gives the principal hazardsand limitations to be considered in planning for specific uses.

Soils that have profiles that are almost alike make up a soil series. All the soils of aseries have major horizons that are similar in composition, thickness, andarrangement. The soils of a given series can differ in texture of the surface layer,slope, stoniness, salinity, degree of erosion, and other characteristics that affect their

Detailed Soils Map Units


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use. On the basis of such differences, a soil series is divided into soil phases. Most ofthe areas shown on the detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. The name of asoil phase commonly indicates a feature that affects use or management. Forexample, Wellston silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, is a phase of the Wellston series.

Some map units are made up of two or more major soils or miscellaneous areas.These map units are complexes. A complex consists of two or more soils ormiscellaneous areas in such an intricate pattern or in such small areas that theycannot be shown separately on the maps. The pattern and proportion of the soils ormiscellaneous areas are somewhat similar in all areas. Wallen-Bledsoe-Donahuecomplex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky, is an example.

This survey includes miscellaneous areas. Such areas have little or no soil materialand support little or no vegetation. The map unit Rock outcrop, 20 to 40 percentslopes, is an example.

Table 4 gives the acreage and proportionate extent of each map unit. Other tablesgive properties of the soils and the limitations, capabilities, and potentials for manyuses. The Glossary defines many of the terms used in describing the soils ormiscellaneous areas.

AlC2—Allegheny loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, erodedMajor land resource area: 120A - Kentucky and Indiana Sandstone and Shale Hills

and Valleys, Southern PartElevation: 170 to 240 metersMean annual precipitation: 1,031 to 1,495 centimetersMean annual air temperature: 7 to 20 degrees CFrost-free period: 154 to 190 days

Map Unit Composition

Allegheny and similar soils: 85 percentDissimilar minor components: 15 percent

Characteristics of Allegheny Soils

SettingLandform: Stream terracesLandform position (three-dimensional): RiserDown-slope shape: ConvexAcross-slope shape: LinearSlope range: 6 to 12 percentParent material: Mixed fine-loamy alluvium

Properties and QualitiesDepth to restrictive feature: None within 1.5 metersShrink-swell potential: Low (about 1.5 LEP)Salinity maximum: Not salineSodicity maximum: Not sodicCalcium carbonate equivalent percent: No carbonates

Hydrologic PropertiesSlowest capacity to transmit water (Ksat ): Moderately highNatural drainage class: Well drainedFlooding frequency: NonePonding frequency: NoneDepth to seasonal water table: Not present within 183 centimetersAvailable water capacity (entire profile): High (about 28.0 centimeters)


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Interpretive GroupsLand capability subclass (nonirrigated): 3eHydric soil status: NoHydrologic soil group: BSoils classification: Fine-loamy, mixed, semiactive, mesic Typic Hapludults

Typical Profile0 to 10 centimeters; loam10 to 51 centimeters; loam51 to 203 centimeters; sandy loam

Minor Components

Wellston soilsPercent of map unit: 4 percentSlope: 6 to 12 percentHydric soil status: No

Frondorf soilsPercent of map unit: 3 percentSlope: 6 to 12 percentHydric soil status: No

Gilpin soilsPercent of map unit: 3 percentSlope: 6 to 12 percentHydric soil status: No

Lily soilsPercent of map unit: 3 percentSlope: 6 to 12 percentHydric soil status: No

Otwood soilsPercent of map unit: 2 percentSlope: 6 to 12 percentHydric soil status: No

AlD2—Allegheny loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, erodedMajor land resource area: 120A - Kentucky and Indiana Sandstone and Shale Hills

and Valleys, Southern PartElevation: 200 to 220 metersMean annual precipitation: 1,031 to 1,495 centimetersMean annual air temperature: 7 to 20 degrees CFrost-free period: 154 to 190 days


Allegheny and similar soils: 85 percentDissimilar minor components: 15 percent

Characteristics of Allegheny Soils

SettingLandform: Stream terracesLandform position (three-dimensional): RiserDown-slope shape: Linear


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Across-slope shape: LinearSlope range: 12 to 20 percentParent material: Mixed fine-loamy alluvium

Properties and QualitiesDepth to restrictive feature: None within 1.5 metersShrink-swell potential: Low (about 1.5 LEP)Salinity maximum: Not salineSodicity maximum: Not sodicCalcium carbonate equivalent percent: No carbonates

Hydrologic PropertiesSlowest capacity to transmit water (Ksat ): Moderately highNatural drainage class: Well drainedFlooding frequency: NonePonding frequency: NoneDepth to seasonal water table: Not present within 183 centimetersAvailable water capacity (entire profile): High (about 28.0 centimeters)

Interpretive GroupsLand capability subclass (nonirrigated): 4eHydric soil status: NoHydrologic soil group: BSoils classification: Fine-loamy, mixed, semiactive, mesic Typic Hapludults

Typical Profile0 to 10 centimeters; loam10 to 51 centimeters; loam51 to 203 centimeters; sandy loam

Minor Components


Shelocta soilsPercent of map unit: 3 percentSlope: 12 to 20 percentHydric soil status: No

Lily soilsPercent of map unit: 4 percentSlope: 12 to 20 percentHydric soil status: No


Latham soilsPercent of map unit: 2 percentSlope: 12 to 20 percentHydric soil status: No


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CaC2—Caneyville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes,eroded

Major land resource area: 120A - Kentucky and Indiana Sandstone and Shale Hillsand Valleys, Southern Part

Elevation: 140 to 220 metersMean annual precipitation: 1,031 to 1,495 centimetersMean annual air temperature: 7 to 20 degrees CFrost-free period: 154 to 190 days


Caneyville and similar soils: 85 percentDissimilar minor components: 15 percent

Characteristics of Caneyville Soils

SettingLandform: RidgesLandform position (two-dimensional): BackslopeLandform position (three-dimensional): Side slopeDown-slope shape: ConvexAcross-slope shape: LinearSlope range: 6 to 12 percentParent material: Clayey residuum weathered from limestone

Properties and QualitiesDepth to restrictive feature: 51 to 102 centimeters to lithic bedrockShrink-swell potential: Moderate (about 4.5 LEP)Salinity maximum: Not salineSodicity maximum: Not sodicCalcium carbonate equivalent percent: No carbonates

Hydrologic PropertiesSlowest capacity to transmit water (Ksat ): Moderately highNatural drainage class: Well drainedFlooding frequency: NonePonding frequency: NoneDepth to seasonal water table: Not present within 183 centimetersAvailable water capacity (entire profile): Low (about 11.2 centimeters)

Interpretive GroupsLand capability subclass (nonirrigated): 3eHydric soil status: NoHydrologic soil group: CSoils classification: Fine, mixed, active, mesic Typic Hapludalfs

Typical Profile0 to 13 centimeters; silt loam13 to 53 centimeters; silty clay53 to 71 centimeters; clay71 to 96 centimeters; unweathered bedrock

Minor Components

Fredonia soilsPercent of map unit: 5 percentSlope: 6 to 12 percentHydric soil status: No


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Lenberg soilsPercent of map unit: 5 percentSlope: 6 to 12 percentHydric soil status: No

Vertrees soilsPercent of map unit: 3 percentSlope: 6 to 12 percentHydric soil status: No

Hagerstown soilsPercent of map unit: 2 percentSlope: 6 to 12 percentHydric soil status: No

CaD—Caneyville silt loam, 6 to 20 percent slopes, veryrocky






SettingLandform: HillsLandform position (two-dimensional): BackslopeLandform position (three-dimensional): Side slopeDown-slope shape: LinearAcross-slope shape: ConvexSlope range: 6 to 20 percentParent material: Clayey residuum weathered from limestone



Interpretive GroupsLand capability subclass (nonirrigated): 6e


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Hydric soil status: NoHydrologic soil group: CSoils classification: Fine, mixed, active, mesic Typic Hapludalfs

Typical Profile0 to 23 centimeters; silt loam23 to 36 centimeters; silty clay loam36 to 61 centimeters; clay61 to 86 centimeters; unweathered bedrock

Minor Components

Rock outcropPercent of map unit: 9 percentSlope: 6 to 20 percentHydric soil status: No

Bledsoe soilsPercent of map unit: 3 percentSlope: 6 to 20 percentHydric soil status: No




CaD2—Caneyville silty clay loam, 6 to 20 percent slopes,eroded, very rocky






SettingLandform: HillsLandform position (two-dimensional): BackslopeLandform position (three-dimensional): Side slopeDown-slope shape: Concave


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Across-slope shape: LinearSlope range: 6 to 20 percentParent material: Clayey residuum weathered from cherty limestone




Typical Profile0 to 15 centimeters; silty clay loam15 to 64 centimeters; silty clay64 to 89 centimeters; clay89 to 114 centimeters; unweathered bedrock

Minor Components




Christian soilsPercent of map unit: 2 percentSlope: 6 to 20 percentHydric soil status: No

Riney soilsPercent of map unit: 2 percentSlope: 6 to 20 percentHydric soil status: No


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CaE—Caneyville silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, veryrocky






SettingLandform: HillsLandform position (two-dimensional): BackslopeLandform position (three-dimensional): Side slopeDown-slope shape: LinearAcross-slope shape: LinearSlope range: 20 to 30 percentParent material: Clayey residuum weathered from limestone




Typical Profile0 to 23 centimeters; silt loam23 to 36 centimeters; silty clay loam36 to 61 centimeters; clay61 to 86 centimeters; unweathered bedrock

Minor Components



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Riney soilsPercent of map unit: 3 percentSlope: 20 to 30 percentHydric soil status: No



CeD—Caneyville-Lenberg complex, 8 to 20 percentslopes




Caneyville and similar soils: 46 percentLenberg and similar soils: 29 percentDissimilar minor components: 25 percent




Hydrologic PropertiesSlowest capacity to transmit water (Ksat ): Moderately highNatural drainage class: Well drainedFlooding frequency: None


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Ponding frequency: NoneDepth to seasonal water table: Not present within 183 centimetersAvailable water capacity (entire profile): Low (about 11.2 centimeters)



Characteristics of Lenberg Soils

SettingLandform: HillsLandform position (two-dimensional): BackslopeLandform position (three-dimensional): Side slopeDown-slope shape: LinearAcross-slope shape: ConvexSlope range: 8 to 20 percentParent material: Clayey residuum weathered from acid shale

Properties and QualitiesDepth to restrictive feature: 51 to 102 centimeters to paralithic bedrockShrink-swell potential: Moderate (about 4.5 LEP)Salinity maximum: Not salineSodicity maximum: Not sodicCalcium carbonate equivalent percent: No carbonates


Interpretive GroupsLand capability subclass (nonirrigated): 6eHydric soil status: NoHydrologic soil group: CSoils classification: Fine, mixed, semiactive, mesic Ultic Hapludalfs

Typical Profile0 to 13 centimeters; silt loam13 to 38 centimeters; silty clay38 to 58 centimeters; clay58 to 76 centimeters; channery silty clay76 to 101 centimeters; weathered bedrock

Minor Components

Fredonia soilsPercent of map unit: 7 percent


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Slope: 8 to 20 percentHydric soil status: No

Bledsoe soilsPercent of map unit: 5 percentSlope: 8 to 20 percentHydric soil status: No


Donahue soilsPercent of map unit: 3 percentSlope: 8 to 20 percentHydric soil status: No

Rosine soilsPercent of map unit: 2 percentSlope: 8 to 20 percentHydric soil status: No



CgE—Caneyville-Lenberg-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to30 percent slopes




Caneyville and similar soils: 46 percentLenberg and similar soils: 29 percentRock outcrop: 12 percentDissimilar minor components: 13 percent


SettingLandform: HillsLandform position (two-dimensional): BackslopeLandform position (three-dimensional): Side slopeDown-slope shape: Linear


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Across-slope shape: LinearSlope range: 20 to 30 percentParent material: Clayey residuum weathered from limestone





Characteristics of Lenberg Soils

SettingLandform: HillsLandform position (two-dimensional): BackslopeLandform position (three-dimensional): Side slopeDown-slope shape: LinearAcross-slope shape: LinearSlope range: 20 to 30 percentParent material: Clayey residuum weathered from acid shale

Properties and QualitiesDepth to restrictive feature: 51 to 102 centimeters to paralithic bedrockShrink-swell potential: Moderate (about 4.5 LEP)Salinity maximum: Not salineSodicity maximum: Not sodicCalcium carbonate equivalent percent: No carbonates


Interpretive GroupsLand capability subclass (nonirrigated): 6e


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Hydric soil status: NoHydrologic soil group: CSoils classification: Fine, mixed, semiactive, mesic Ultic Hapludalfs

Typical Profile0 to 13 centimeters; silt loam13 to 38 centimeters; silty clay38 to 58 centimeters; clay58 to 76 centimeters; channery silty clay76 to 101 centimeters; weathered bedrock

Characteristics of Rock Outcrop

SettingLandform: HillsLandform position (three-dimensional): Free faceDown-slope shape: LinearAcross-slope shape: LinearSlope range: 20 to 30 percentParent material: Limestone

Minor Components

Shelocta soilsPercent of map unit: 6 percentSlope: 20 to 30 percentHydric soil status: No


Donahue soilsPercent of map unit: 1 percentSlope: 20 to 30 percentHydric soil status: No

Rosine soilsPercent of map unit: 1 percentSlope: 20 to 30 percentHydric soil status: No


ChC2—Christian gravelly loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes,eroded

Major land resource area: 122 - Highland Rim and PennyroyalElevation: 190 to 220 metersMean annual precipitation: 1,031 to 1,495 centimetersMean annual air temperature: 7 to 20 degrees CFrost-free period: 154 to 190 days


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Christian and similar soils: 90 percentDissimilar minor components: 10 percent

Characteristics of Christian Soils

SettingLandform: RidgesLandform position (two-dimensional): BackslopeLandform position (three-dimensional): Side slopeDown-slope shape: ConcaveAcross-slope shape: LinearSlope range: 6 to 12 percentParent material: Clayey residuum weathered from limestone, sandstone, and shale

and/or siltstone


Hydrologic PropertiesSlowest capacity to transmit water (Ksat ): Moderately highNatural drainage class: Well drainedFlooding frequency: NonePonding frequency: NoneDepth to seasonal water table: Not present within 183 centimetersAvailable water capacity (entire profile): Moderate (about 21.9 centimeters)

Interpretive GroupsLand capability subclass (nonirrigated): 3eHydric soil status: NoHydrologic soil group: BSoils classification: Fine, mixed, semiactive, mesic Typic Hapludults

Typical Profile0 to 10 centimeters; gravelly loam10 to 33 centimeters; gravelly clay loam33 to 114 centimeters; gravelly clay114 to 160 centimeters; gravelly clay160 to 185 centimeters; unweathered bedrock

Minor Components


Caneyville soilsPercent of map unit: 3 percentSlope: 6 to 12 percentHydric soil status: No

Vertrees soilsPercent of map unit: 2 percent


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Slope: 6 to 12 percentHydric soil status: No

ChC3—Christian gravelly sandy clay loam, 6 to 12 percentslopes, severely eroded



Christian, severely eroded and similar soils: 90 percentDissimilar minor components: 10 percent

Characteristics of Christian, Severely Eroded Soils

SettingLandform: RidgesLandform position (two-dimensional): BackslopeLandform position (three-dimensional): Side slopeDown-slope shape: ConvexAcross-slope shape: LinearSlope range: 6 to 12 percentParent material: Clayey residuum weathered from limestone, sandstone, and shale

and/or siltstone




Typical Profile0 to 18 centimeters; gravelly sandy clay loam18 to 124 centimeters; gravelly clay loam124 to 152 centimeters; gravelly clay152 to 177 centimeters; unweathered bedrock


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Minor Components




ChD2—Christian gravelly loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes,eroded



Christian and similar soils: 85 percentDissimilar minor components: 15 percent

Characteristics of Christian Soils

SettingLandform: HillsLandform position (two-dimensional): BackslopeLandform position (three-dimensional): Side slopeDown-slope shape: ConcaveAcross-slope shape: LinearSlope range: 12 to 20 percentParent material: Clayey residuum weathered from limestone, sandstone, and shale

and/or siltstone




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Typical Profile0 to 10 centimeters; gravelly loam10 to 33 centimeters; gravelly clay loam33 to 114 centimeters; gravelly clay114 to 160 centimeters; gravelly clay160 to 185 centimeters; unweathered bedrock

Minor Components




ChD3—Christian gravelly sandy clay loam, 12 to 20percent slopes, severely eroded



Christian, severely eroded and similar soils: 85 percentDissimilar minor components: 15 percent

Characteristics of Christian, Severely Eroded Soils

SettingLandform: HillsLandform position (two-dimensional): BackslopeLandform position (three-dimensional): Side slopeDown-slope shape: ConcaveAcross-slope shape: LinearSlope range: 12 to 20 percentParent material: Clayey residuum weathered from limestone, sandstone, and shale

and/or siltstone

Properties and QualitiesDepth to restrictive feature: 122 to 213 centimeters to lithic bedrock


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Shrink-swell potential: Moderate (about 4.5 LEP)Salinity maximum: Not salineSodicity maximum: Not sodicCalcium carbonate equivalent percent: No carbonates



Typical Profile0 to 18 centimeters; gravelly sandy clay loam18 to 124 centimeters; gravelly clay loam124 to 152 centimeters; gravelly clay152 to 177 centimeters; unweathered bedrock

Minor Components




CkD—Caneyville-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 20 percentslopes




Caneyville and similar soils: 65 percentRock outcrop: 12 percentDissimilar minor components: 23 percent


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Hydrologic PropertiesSlowest capacity to transmit water (Ksat ): Moderately highNatural drainage class: Well drainedFlooding frequency: NonePonding frequency: NoneDepth to seasonal water table: Not present within 183 centimetersAvailable water cap

Documents

In cooperation with KentuckyMammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky. General Soil Map The general soil map, which is a color map, shows the survey area divided into groups of associated