Elbert County, Colorado, Western Part

Survey Area CO623• Colorado

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, Western 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
Bresser sandy loam, cool, 5 to 9 percent slopes	114K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Bresser-Truckton sandy loams, 8 to 25 percent slopes	69K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Cushman-Ascalon complex, 4 to 15 percent slopes	40K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cushman-Kutch complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Nunn clay loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kutch clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bresser sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Not limited
Wiley-Baca loams, 4 to 8 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Bresser-Stapleton sandy loams, 8 to 25 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Weld loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Haplustolls, loamy, nearly level*	18K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Peyton-Elbeth sandy loams, 8 to 25 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Bresser-Cushman complex, 4 to 20 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Kutch-Louviers complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Renohill-Louviers complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Haplustolls, moderately coarse, nearly level*	12K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Truckton sandy loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Baca-Wiley loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Brussett loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Ascalon sandy loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Not 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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

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 36% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

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.