Clay County, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Clay County, Kentucky.
| 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 |
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.