Breathitt County, Kentucky

Survey Area KY025• Kentucky

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Breathitt County, 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
Shelocta-Highsplint-Gilpin complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes, very stony	76K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta-Gilpin-Kimper complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes	66K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Matewan-Marrowbone-Latham complex, 20 to 80 percent slopes, very rocky	48K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Matewan-Gilpin-Marrowbone complex, 12 to 80 percent slopes, very rocky	31K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fairpoint and Bethesda soils, 2 to 70 percent slopes, benched, stony	23K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Handshoe-Fedscreek-Shelocta complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes, very stony	23K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Cloverlick-Shelocta-Kimper complex, 20 to 80 percent slopes, very stony	20K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Fairpoint and Bethesda soils, 0 to 20 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Grigsby fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	9K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Chagrin-Grigsby complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rowdy-Grigsby complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	2K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Water	2K			Not rated	Not rated
Udorthents-Urban land-Grigsby complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	1K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents-Urban land complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents-Urban land-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 35 percent slopes	957	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Allegheny loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	421	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Udorthents-Urban land complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	409	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Allegheny loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded	406	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Allegheny loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	204	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Dumps, mine and tailings	11			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.

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 99% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 99% 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.