Elliott County, Kentucky

Survey Area KY063• 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 Elliott 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-Handshoe-Fedscreek complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes, stony	51K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Shelocta complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Blairton-Cruze-Marrowbone complex, 12 to 25 percent slopes	18K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Steinsburg-Blairton complex, 12 to 25 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rigley-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Ramsey complex, 6 to 25 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fairpoint and Kaymine soils, 30 to 80 percent slopes, stony	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta-Grigsby-Orrville complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Marrowbone-Blairton-Matewan complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, rocky	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Blairton-Ramsey complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Ezel-Cotaco complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fairpoint and Kaymine soils, 6 to 30 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Renox-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Fairpoint and Kaymine soils, 0 to 6 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Grigsby fine sandy loam, frequently flooded	1K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes	842	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Cotaco fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded	751	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	619			Not rated	Not rated
Blairton-Cruze-Marrowbone complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes	540	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Grigsby-Skidmore complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes, frequently flooded	470	Well drained	A	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.

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 99% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, 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.