Boyd and Greenup Counties, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Boyd and Greenup Counties, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latham-Shelocta silt loams, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 117K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Cranston channery silt loams, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vandalia-Upshur complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latham-Steinsburg complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 28K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latham-Shelocta silt loams, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Elk silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pope gravelly silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steinsburg stony sandy loam, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cuba silt loam | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Strip mines (fairpoint) | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morehead silt loam | 5K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pope fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cotaco loam | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wernock silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta gravelly silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Latham-Steinsburg complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stendal silt loam | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta gravelly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur silty clay loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 92% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.