Clay County, Kentucky

Survey Area KY051• Kentucky

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Clay 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	91K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta-Kimper-Cloverlick complex, 20 to 80 percent slopes, very stony	84K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Rayne-Sequoia complex, 25 to 55 percent slopes, very stony	69K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fairpoint and Bethesda soils, 20 to 70 percent slopes, stony	15K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Shelocta complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Craigsville-Philo complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded	4K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Pope fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded	4K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Fairpoint and Bethesda soils, 2 to 20 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Shelocta complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Philo fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded	2K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Pope loam, occasionally flooded	2K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Highsplint complex, rocky, 60 to 100 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Shelocta complex, 3 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	1K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents-Urban land complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	1K	Well drained		Not rated	Not rated
Pope loam, rarely flooded	1K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents-Urban land complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	1K	Well drained		Not rated	Not rated
Stokly fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded	902	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lonewood loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	867	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Shelocta channery silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	777	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Cotaco loam, rarely flooded	711	Moderately 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.

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 98% 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 98% 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.