Elbert County, Colorado, Eastern Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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 61% 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.