Estill and Lee Counties, Kentucky

Survey Area KY616• 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 Estill and Lee Counties, 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-Gilpin complex, 20 to 65 percent slopes, stony	89K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Bledsoe silt loam, 20 to 65 percent slopes, very rocky	28K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Carpenter-Bledsoe-Berks complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes, stony	18K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Jessietown-Woolper-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Helechawa-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes	12K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Jessietown-Muse-Rohan complex, 20 to 45 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Shelocta complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Shrouts-Beasley-Woolper complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Latham-Alticrest complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rocky	7K	Well drained		Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Latham-Marrowbone complex, 12 to 55 percent slopes, rocky	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Faywood-Lowell-Cynthiana complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes, eroded, very rocky	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Westbend silt loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rayne-Gilpin complex, 4 to 12 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Allegheny loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Latham silt loam, 4 to 15 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rohan-Trappist complex, 6 to 25 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land-Udorthents complex, 0 to 20 percent slopes	4K			Not rated	Not rated
Chagrin-Grigsby complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Alticrest-Ramsey-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 65 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	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.

Alfisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 94% 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 94% 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.