Bell and Harlan Counties, Kentucky

Survey Area KY638• Kentucky

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Bell and Harlan Counties, 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
Cloverlick-Guyandotte-Highsplint complex, 20 to 80 percent slopes, very stony	78K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta-Kimper-Cloverlick complex, 20 to 80 percent slopes, very stony	75K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta-Highsplint-Gilpin complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes, very stony	74K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Highsplint-Cloverlick-Guyandotte complex, 35 to 75 percent slopes, very stony	56K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Rayne-Sequoia complex, 25 to 55 percent slopes, very stony	50K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Helechawa-Varilla-Jefferson complex, 35 to 75 percent slopes, very rocky	41K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta-Kimper-Cutshin complex, 20 to 55 percent slopes, very stony	37K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Alticrest-Totz-Helechawa complex, rocky, 20 to 55 percent slopes	36K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Fairpoint and Bethesda soils, 20 to 70 percent slopes, stony	26K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta-Gilpin silt loams, 20 to 35 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents-Urban land complex, occasionally flooded	5K	Well drained		Not rated	Not rated
Pope fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded	5K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Shelocta silt loams, 12 to 20 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Kimper-Renox-Sharondale complex, very rocky, 35 to 75 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Fairpoint and Bethesda soils, 2 to 20 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Craigsville-Philo complex, occasionally flooded	4K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Shelbiana loam, occasionally flooded	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents-Urban land complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	2K	Well drained		Not rated	Not rated
Dumps, Mine; tailings; and Tipples	2K			Not rated	Not rated
Water	2K			Not rated	Not rated

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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 97% 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.