Lawrence and Martin Counties, Kentucky

Survey Area KY640• 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 Lawrence and Martin 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-Handshoe-Fedscreek complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes, stony	76K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Cloverlick-Shelocta-Kimper complex, 20 to 80 percent slopes, very stony	51K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Rayne-Marrowbone-Dekalb complex, 20 to 80 percent slopes, very rocky	49K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Handshoe-Fedscreek-Shelocta complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes, very stony	41K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Fiveblock, Fairpoint, and Kaymine soils, 30 to 80 percent slopes, stony	39K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Marrowbone-Blairton-Dekalb complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, rocky	22K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Upshur-Rarden complex, 12 to 25 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Blairton-Cruze-Marrowbone complex, 12 to 25 percent slopes	17K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Vandalia-Beech complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes, stony, eroded	15K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Upshur-Rarden complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, rocky	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fiveblock, Fairpoint, and Kaymine soils, 6 to 30 percent slopes, stony	12K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta-Grigsby-Orrville complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Anthroportic Udorthents-Urban land complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Vandalia-Beech complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes, stony	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fiveblock, Fairpoint, and Kaymine soils, 0 to 6 percent slopes, stony	4K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Water	4K			Not rated	Not rated
Grigsby fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	3K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Anthroportic Udorthents-Urban land-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 80 percent slopes, benched	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nelse fine sandy loam, 4 to 25 percent slopes, frequently flooded	3K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta silt loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes	3K	Well 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.

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.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 99% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, 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.