Lawrence and Martin Counties, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.