Jackson and Owsley Counties, 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 Jackson and Owsley Counties, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelocta-Gilpin complex, 20 to 65 percent slopes, stony | 182K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steinsburg and Gilpin soils and rock outcrop, steep | 37K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Shelocta-Cutshin-Gilpin complex, 20 to 75 percent slopes, very stony | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Rayne-Sequoia silt loams, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rigley-Rock outcrop association, steep | 17K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood-Cynthiana-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bledsoe silt loam, steep, very rocky | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Rayne silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rowdy silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily and Gilpin soils, moderately steep | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grigsby fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bethesda-Fairpoint complex, steep, benched | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta and Caneyville soils and rock outcrop, steep | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grigsby-Orrville variant complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily and Gilpin soils, sloping | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huntington loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 1K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Allegheny variant silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 999 | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Riney-Allegheny complex, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 900 | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 97% 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.