Boyd and Greenup Counties, Kentucky

Survey Area KY605• Kentucky

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Boyd and Greenup 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
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

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.

Alfisols

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

Inceptisols

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

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.