Elbert County, Colorado, Eastern Part
The most common soil here is Ascalon, on about 10% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Weld and Platner come next.
About 94% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 3% of it.
USDA rates 56% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 17% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 27% 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 Elbert County, Colorado, Eastern Part, 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 Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Elbert County, Colorado, Eastern Part. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platner-Ascalon sandy loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 52K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Weld loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bresser-Truckton-Blakeland complex, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Terry-Vebar-Tullock complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Platner loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Renohill complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 22K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Renohill clay loam | 21K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Yoder-Truckton-Lismas complex | 20K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Christianburg clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ascalon sandy loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sandy alluvial land | 18K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Baca loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Terry-Lismas complex | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Badlands | 14K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Ascalon sandy loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Weld loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ulm-Beckton complex, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Slickspot-Kutch complex, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 10K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Nunn loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Blakeland loamy sand | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 56% 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.