Elliott County, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.