Lawrence and Martin Counties, Kentucky
The most common soil here is Shelocta, on about 16% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Marrowbone and Handshoe come next.
About 94% of the land drains well, and 5% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 13% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 99% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 30% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Lawrence and Martin Counties, Kentucky, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
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.