Floyd and Johnson Counties, Kentucky

Survey Area KY639• Kentucky

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Floyd and Johnson 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
Handshoe-Fedscreek-Shelocta complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes, very stony	93K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Matewan-Gilpin-Marrowbone complex, 12 to 80 percent slopes, very rocky	85K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cloverlick-Shelocta-Kimper complex, 20 to 80 percent slopes, very stony	58K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta-Handshoe-Fedscreek complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes, stony	41K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hazleton-Fedscreek-Kimper complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes, very stony	39K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Fairpoint and Bethesda soils, 20 to 70 percent slopes, stony	19K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Fedscreek-Marrowbone complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta-Grigsby-Stokly complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Myra very channery fine sandy loam, 30 to 70 percent slopes, stony	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Anthroportic Udorthents-Urban land complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Grigsby fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	7K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Fairpoint-Bethesda complex, 6 to 30 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Potomac-Shelocta-Grigsby complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Water	3K			Not rated	Not rated
Fedscreek-Shelocta complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Nelse loam, 4 to 25 percent slopes, frequently flooded	2K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Dumps, mine and tailings	2K			Not rated	Not rated
Myra very channery fine sandy loam, 6 to 30 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Allegheny loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded	1K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Shelocta loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	B	Not 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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

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

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, 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.