Bell and Harlan Counties, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.